How to Survive the Holidays Without Losing Your Mind or Your Glass of Wine
With Just 14 Days Left… Here Are My Top Tips
So, it’s that time of year again. The twinkling lights, the festive music, the scent of cinnamon in the air… and yet, somehow, it also feels like the world is asking just a little too much of us. With only 14 days left until Christmas, I found myself asking: is it possible to survive the season without losing your mind, your patience, or your last shred of dignity?
The answer, my friends, is yes. But it requires a few rules, a little honesty, and the occasional glass of something strong.
1. Lower Your Expectations (Before They Lower You)
Let’s be real. Pinterest will show you perfect tables, perfectly wrapped presents, perfectly coiffed children. But the reality? Someone’s always going to spill something, forget something, or lose something. And that’s okay. Because the truth is, the people you love don’t care about perfection—they care about you.
2. Say “No” Like a Pro
Here’s a secret: every “yes” you give is a little piece of your sanity leaving the building. Parties, brunches, school concerts, endless gift exchanges… it’s okay to skip a few. You don’t need to be everywhere. You need to be present where it matters most.
3. Embrace the Joy of Doing Less
Do you really need 12 types of cookies? Or is one batch that actually tastes good enough? The holidays are not a competition—they’re a test of how well you can actually enjoy yourself.
4. Give Yourself a “Calm Corner”
Even Carrie had her apartment (or maybe her closet) to escape into. Light a candle, wrap yourself in a blanket, sip something warm, scroll mindlessly through a magazine. Five minutes away from the chaos is enough to recharge your inner sparkle.
5. Remember: Kids Are Tiny Festive Hurricanes
Sugar, excitement, glitter… repeat. Manageable expectations for them = manageable expectations for you. A simple routine, a little downtime, and maybe a bribe or two (just saying) can save the day.
6. Keep the Basics Non-Negotiable
Sleep, water, fresh air, food that isn’t leftover chocolate from the advent calendar… it may sound basic, but it’s revolutionary. Because no one looks glamorous when they’re running on fumes.
7. Let Go of the “Perfect Day” Myth
Truth bomb: the perfect Christmas doesn’t exist. But laughter, comfort, warmth, and real connection? That, my friends, is perfection enough.
8. Lean Into the Simple Moments
Maybe it’s holding a cup of coffee while the kids unwrap their presents, maybe it’s catching a glimpse of the city lights, maybe it’s a quiet five minutes of Netflix and a blanket. Those little things are what stick in your heart—not the chaos or the Instagram-worthy decorations.
Final Thought
So, with just 14 days to go, maybe the real question isn’t how will I survive Christmas? but how will I enjoy it without losing myself? The answer: lower the bar, protect your peace, and remember that even amidst the chaos, you are allowed to sip your wine, steal a quiet moment, and smile.
Because if Carrie Bradshaw could make it through Manhattan’s most chaotic nights, surely we can survive a little tinsel and turkey.
Vivienne Hart is Anne Louise Magazine’s resident fashion and lifestyle columnist—part style guru, part storyteller, always fabulous. Think of her as our very own Carrie Bradshaw, serving up chic trends, timeless elegance, and a touch of wit. Whether she’s uncovering hidden fashion gems or sharing insider tips for effortless style, Vivienne believes that confidence is the ultimate accessory.
