Non-apologetic. Completely necessary. Do it once, then repeat as needed.
I’m learning that the best skill for navigating any holiday isn’t planting a fake veneer of cheer on your face. It’s doing what you actually want and fully enjoying it in the moment, and again when you look back once it’s all over.
So before the chaos hits, here’s the 48-hour reset that I praying will keep me sane, hydrated, and unbothered like a champ. Feel free to steal all or some of mine, or create your own, and then protect your peace like it’s the fragile sliver of calm before the internet gifts you more political clownery with a generous helping of fuckshit, when you asked for neither.
1. Blunt approach
Say “no” unapologetically. Not “maybe, let me check.” No. Full stop. Period. Even those hesitant ‘yeses’ get us into trouble and strife. If it’s not an emphatic yes, then it’s clearly a no.
2. Go silent
Stressed about saying no? This is a level down from the blunt approach if that’s too much to tackle right now.
- Ghost calls, emails, invites. Vanish.
- Circle back with “oh, I missed your… [insert communication method].”
- You’ll be surprised how most people are too busy to follow up right now, and it gives you an easier out.
- You’re practicing endurance, luv, remember that.
3. Pretend to be flexible
As far down a level as I can go from being blunt or going silent:
- Concoct a cover story for when certain people question your ‘busy plans.’
- If attending their thing means you miss finishing that newly dropped 4-hour documentary (IYKYK), wrapping up your book series, or prepping outfits for happy hours you’ll never bail on, then you need a cover.
- Create two so you have a backup — and shock yourself by making them sooo good.
4. Busy doing nothing after 7 p.m… or maybe 6?
Think about your:
- Luxe blanket
- Mood lights
- Heat
- Your fave bevvy
- An all amongst your sparkling holiday décor
Hell, we’re all paying crazy rents or mortgages. You better enjoy this domestic act of rebellion.
Merry Electricity! Happy Hot Water!
5. Hydrate like a champ
All the food, snacks, and goodies are about to roll in and stick to our waistlines.
- Don’t forget to drink water — and often.
- You’ll need it to hold back what you really want to say to some people.
- Eye-rolling only burns so many calories.
6. Deep breaths
Family drama? Friend drama? Politics you don’t align with? This goes hand in hand with hydrating.
- If dodging out-of-nowhere comments like “So… how’s life?” could trigger you, remember: lies are more than fine to get you past some folks.
- Truths are only for your real ones.
7. Laugh at your own survival tactics
- Adjust as needed, otherwise the absurdity might make you angry-cry.
- Or chuck some festive cheer in the shape of intentionally burnt, rock-hard (and saved) mince pies. Your call, Luv.
8. Gift-Giving, simplified
- A few people match your effort. We love them, so go ahead.
- But in this economy, make it more caring than costly.
- The rest? Gift cards or cash. IF you must.
- Set a firm price limit. Zelle, Venmo, done. No wrapping. Stress-free, guilt-free, and everyone lives happily.
9. Holiday menu sanity
- Whoever’s eating with you, helps, or you axe stuff off the list… quickly!
- They want ten of their fave dishes but won’t lift a finger? Then you sit ya bum down — they get none!
- The mantra: “You wanna eat? You gonna help!”
10. Pick One List: The Do’s or The Do Nots
The Do’s:
- Do what you really, really want.
- Take the silly photos.
- Record the dumb videos. Your memories, your rules. Bonus: erase nothing.
The Do Nots:
- Don’t do what you really, really don’t want to do. (Eek! That was a mouthful!)
- Social media perfect-posting just to impress? Nah. Post only the true and good stuff, and only IF you want to.
- Anyone or anything that messes with your choice to Do or Don’t Do, bounce them — hard. I mean, ’tis the season, right?
11. Decorate What Matters To You
- One string of lights and a candle = perfection.
- Pinterest-level holiday magic? Perfect too, IF that’s you.
- No one-style-fits-all. Step back with a cheesy grin and take in your creation — boom, you’ve nailed it.
Spoiler: This 48-Hour Pre-Holiday Survival Challenge isn’t just to survive.
