There are times when it feels like the holiday season is an endless merry-go-round of social gatherings, from office parties to neighborhood socials to family get-togethers. In the flurry of activity, it’s easy to feel a little dazed. As a result, some people tend to get a bit uptight, others play wallflower, while others get way too wild.
But it’s actually pretty easy to find some merry middle ground. So here are our top tips for having holiday fun — without regretting it the next day.
- Do: Let loose
- Don’t: Let it all hang out.
With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to make everything perfect. But when it comes to holiday parties, take a step back and remind yourself that Christmas is a season of joy — which means it’s okay to let go and have a little fun! Pour yourself a glass of egg nog. Eat an extra cookie. Dance the night away.
Of course, no one wants to be the holiday partier who crosses the line from letting go to losing his mind. With all the stress leading up to the holidays, some people have a bit of a meltdown once the festivities finally arrive. Remember, you can have a good time without getting wild by following a few basic rules: think before you speak, mind your manners, and above all, go easy on the booze.
- Do: Toast the season.
- Don’t: Get toasted
Overindulging in alcohol is one of the fastest ways to kill your holiday spirit. The next day, you’ll be haunted by an aching head and churning stomach – and maybe worse. If you said or did anything to embarrass yourself or hurt someone else, you’ll be regretting a lot more than your hangover. And who wants to spend the holiday season feeling groggy — or guilty?
And while we’re on the topic of drinking, there’s one-holiday rule you simply can not break: don’t drink and drive. Arrange a ride ahead of time so you won’t be tempted to tell yourself you’re “okay” to drive. A DUI will ruin your Christmas, and an accident could ruin your life — and someone else’s.
- Do: Make new friends.
- Don’t: Forget your old friends.
Maybe it’s the mistletoe, but something about the holidays brings out the romantic in everyone. Holiday parties are a great way to meet new people, and most folks people to let their guard down in the spirit of the season.
But if you become preoccupied with meeting a man, you’ll end up missing one of the most special parts of the holidays: spending time with your favorite people. So it’s okay to keep an eye out for Mr. Right, but make sure you raise a glass to your girlfriends, too!
The holidays are a special time to get together, reminisce about the past, and hope for the future. With a little planning and some common sense, you can make it a true season of celebration.
It’s interesting how the article highlights the dual nature of holiday gatherings – they can be joyous yet overwhelming. Striking a balance is indeed crucial.
The guidelines about drinking moderately and thinking before speaking are sound advice. The festive season should be enjoyable, not regretful.
Exactly, moderation and mindfulness can go a long way in ensuring that holiday memories are positive.
The advice to strike a balance between enjoying and maintaining decorum is quite practical. Overindulgence rarely leads to positive outcomes.
The reminder to cherish old friendships during the holidays is heartwarming. Often, we get so caught up in the hustle that we forget to appreciate the people who matter.
I appreciate the emphasis on not drinking and driving. Safety should always be a priority, especially during the festive season.
Absolutely. It’s a point that can never be stressed enough. Responsibility is key.