Karen Schaler’s ‘Christmas Camp’ Survival Tips

[Note from Frolic: We have a very special guest post today from ‘The Christmas Prince’ writer Karen Schaler! She will be telling you how to survive Christmas with your sanity intact. Be sure to pick up her new novel ‘Christmas Camp‘]

Don’t ho, ho, ho, your way into debt, debt, debt. 

Don’t try and play Santa to everyone and impress with expensive gifts. Thoughtful gifts are the gifts that are truly priceless and show you took the time to think about what a person would like. I have someone who always gives me very generous Starbucks gift cards, but I’ve never drunk coffee in my life and that’s not someplace I ever go to. If you’re not sure what to give, ask someone close to them. It can be as simple as finding out their favorite treats and making or buying something for them, but don’t just give a gift to mark someone off your list.

Don’t have a holiday relationship…with your phone. 

Just don’t. Trust me, you can survive an hour or two without it. Here’s something I like to do. During holiday meals, have everyone agree to put their phone away. The first person who grabs their phone gets to clear the table and do the dishes.

Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle by over scheduling yourself. 

You don’t have to say yes to every single event because you’re invited to it. Pick and choose what matters most so you can enjoy the holidays without feeling like you’re being pulled in 10 different directions.
Don’t be the hostess with the mostest. Share responsibilities. Divide and conquer. People like to help and contribute, so let them. This way you get to try different things and learn about other people’s holiday traditions.

Don’t be Scroogy. 

Find a way to volunteer or help those less fortunate. ‘Tis the season to make a difference and pay it forward. My birthday is a week before Christmas, so instead of a traditional party, I like to gather my friends and family together to volunteer and everyone says they look forward to it every year.

Don’t forget to embrace what matters most. 

Spend quality time with your family and friends, and remember being present is the best present you can give someone.