Surviving the Holiday Season: A fun Guide for the real people

Ah, the holiday season! That magical time of year when our waistlines mysteriously expand, our wallets mysteriously shrink, and our family members become… well, let’s just say “more themselves.” If you have ever stressed about the holiday season, you know the drill. You’ve been around the Christmas tree a few times. But fear not! Here’s your survival guide to navigate this festive season with grace, humor, and maybe just a touch of cynicism.

1. Embrace the ‘Festive Fifteen’

Remember when you could eat anything and not gain a pound? Yeah, me neither. Welcome to the ‘Festive Fifteen,’ the holiday weight gain that clings like your Aunt Edna’s fruitcake. But here’s the deal: those cookies won’t eat themselves. So, indulge a little! January is for planning and, December is for desserts.

2. Budget Like Santa’s Accountant

Gone are the days of recklessly buying gifts with the optimism of a 20-year-old. Now, we’re more financially savvy (read: we have mortgages). Set a budget that won’t leave you weeping in January. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag. Unless it’s a really, really good price tag. Need help keeping track of who you’ve bought for and what you’ve bought? There’s an APP for that! Using something like Santa’s Bag or GiftTracker are a great way to budget and not lose your mind trying to remember it all.

3. Master the Art of Selective Hearing

Family gatherings are great, but they can also be a minefield of unsolicited advice and questions about your life choices. This is where selective hearing comes in handy. Aunt Linda questioning your career? Sorry, can’t hear you over the sound of my own awesomeness. Cousin Joe bragging about his new yacht? Oh, look, I suddenly need a refill. And if anyone tries to give you financial or investment advice, say “That’s interesting, I’ll consider that.” And then ask a professional if you really want to follow up on that familial advice.

4. Rediscover the Joy of Regifting

Remember that hideous vase your neighbor gave you last year? It’s time for it to find a new home. Regifting is not just economical; it’s environmentally friendly. Plus, it’s like playing hot potato with presents. Just don’t regift in the same social circle. That’s rookie stuff.

5. Holiday Parties: The Introvert’s Dilemma

Love them or hate them, holiday parties are inevitable. If you’re an introvert, set a time limit for yourself. Two hours of socializing, and then you can gracefully exit to the comfort of your couch and Netflix. If you’re an extrovert, well, you’re probably not reading this. You’re already at a party.

6. Exercise: Not Just for New Year’s Resolutions

Exercise can be a great way to combat holiday stress and extra calories. But let’s be real, no one’s expecting you to run a marathon. A brisk walk to the fridge counts, right? Maybe throw in a few squats when picking up dropped wrapping paper.

7. Embrace Imperfection

The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. Burnt cookies? They’re now ‘crispy delights.’ Forgot a gift? It’s ‘on backorder.’ The more you embrace imperfection, the more enjoyable the holidays will be. Only you know your “to-do” list, others don’t. They won’t notice if you forget that one extra decoration you meant to put out. Give yourself grace, they will too!

8. Find Time for Yourself

In the midst of the chaos, find some time for yourself. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a long bath, or just sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, a little ‘me time’ can recharge your batteries.

9. Remember What the Season is Really About

Amidst the commercial hustle and bustle, take a moment to remember what the holiday season is really about – spending time with loved ones, spreading joy, and maybe, just maybe, watching “Die Hard” for the hundredth time.

So there you have it, folks; with a little humor and a lot of egg nog, you can not only survive but thrive this holiday season. Happy Holidays from CAM! 🎄🎉

Disclosure

M & A Consulting Group, LLC, doing business as CAM Investor Solutions is an SEC registered investment adviser. As a fee-only firm, we do not receive commissions nor sell any insurance products. We provide financial planning and investment information that we believe to be useful and accurate. However, there cannot be any guarantees. 

This blog has been provided solely for informational purposes and does not represent investment advice. Nor does it provide an opinion regarding fairness of any transaction. It does not constitute an offer, solicitation or a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security or instrument or to adopt any investment strategy.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Diversification does not eliminate the risk of market loss. Tax planning and investment illustrations are provided for educational purposes and should not be considered tax advice or recommendations. Investors should seek additional advice from their financial advisor or tax professional.