Splitting Time During the Holidays: A Fashionista’s Guide to Maintaining Sanity
Finding a Balance Mastering the Art of Splitting Time Between Families During the Holidays (Without Sacrificing Sanity)
Balancing Time Between Families During the Holidays (Guilt-Free)
Sure, it’s the most wonderful time of year, but let’s be honest, it can also be the most stressful time for many of us—myself included. Between earning extra money for gifts, crossing off all the to-dos on my holiday bucket list, and getting adequate rest to make it to next week’s lineup of get-togethers, it can feel less jolly and more appealing to be a total Grinch. But fear not, fellow fashionistas! I’m here to sprinkle some style and laughter into your holiday season. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, put on your favorite sequin dress, and get ready to sleigh those holiday gatherings.
1. Set Expectations Ahead of Time: The Perfect Gift-Wrapped Excuse
Now, darlings, before the chaos ensues, make sure to connect with your family members to discuss their plans for the holidays. Think of it as your own personal red carpet moment, where you set expectations and dazzle them with your presence. Politely let them know that you’ll be juggling multiple households, saying something like, “I have a handful of fun get-togethers this year—I will be doing my very best to attend as many as possible, but I might not be able to stay very long at some of them.” And if you have another commitment, don’t be afraid to drop the fashion bomb and say, “I so wish I could be there, but I already committed to another dinner at that time—let’s get together after the holiday!” Trust me, these sparkle-clad excuses will have them wishing they had your impeccable fashion sense.
2. Switch Off Every Year: Santa’s Fashionable Little Helper
Who says you can’t be a holiday superhero? This year, give all your focus to one household and be the belle of the ball. You’ll feel like a glittery fairy godmother, spreading joy without the stress of running from one event to another. Consider factors like distance, who you haven’t seen in a while, and who you’ll enjoy spending time with the most. And remember, next year will be your chance to twirl around with those you missed this time. Talk about fashionably spreading the holiday cheer!
3. Designate Holidays: Fashion Forward Family Planning
Want to take the crown as the queen of holiday organization? Give certain families certain holidays, and watch the stress melt away like snowflakes on a warm winter day. Spend Thanksgiving with Mom this year and Christmas with Dad. And next year, switch it up, making Mom the Christmas MVP and Dad the Thanksgiving superstar. It’s like creating your own sequin-filled calendar, where everyone knows what to expect, and you can be the fashion icon of festive planning.
4. Celebrate on a Different Day: Post-Holiday Fashion Extravaganza
Who says the holiday spirit has to fade after the calendar page turns? Be a holiday trendsetter and host a fabulous celebration on a different day! Choose a day when everyone can be under one roof, whether it’s the day before or after the main event. Not only will you get to see everyone, but you’ll also extend the magic of the holiday season. Remember, fashionistas, it’s not the specific calendar day that makes a holiday special, it’s the love, laughter, and impeccable style that you bring to the table.
5. Offer to Host: The Fashionable Merrymaker
Picture this, fashionistas: you, the ultimate hostess, surrounded by loved ones, all basking in the glow of your impeccable style. Hosting the holiday festivities at your own fabulous abode is the ultimate power move. Let everyone know well in advance that you’d love to be the hostess with the mostess. Ask your family members if they’d be willing to make the journey to your fashion-forward haven. You can create new traditions or incorporate the ones you’re already accustomed to. Prepare to wow them with your fashion flair and create memories that will leave everyone in awe.
6. Hit Up Both Families: The Fashion Road Trip
When it comes to fashion, we know that sometimes one fabulous outfit just isn’t enough. So why not bring that same energy to your holiday gatherings? If you can handle it (and it’s not a cross-country journey), dedicate a few hours to each household. You’ll get quality time with more family members, and they’ll all be in awe of your ability to be in two places at once. Just make sure to set an alarm on your phone so you don’t get too caught up in the merriment and forget about your fashionably timed exits.
7. Visit Virtually: The Fashion-Focused FaceTime Festivals
For all you fashionistas with family members who are too far away for a quick holiday jaunt, or for those struggling with the pressure of splitting time during the holidays, fear not! You can still stay cozy in your own space while virtually enjoying the company of your loved ones. Plan ahead, and ensure everyone has their mug of hot chocolate or festive cocktail ready for a dazzling FaceTime call. It’s like having your own virtual front-row seat to all the holiday festivities.
8. Divide and Conquer: The Fashionable Partnership
We all know how special it is to spend the holidays with our partners. But sometimes, fashionistas, the universe conspires against us, forcing a divide between our loved ones. If you find yourself in this predicament, consider dividing and conquering for a few hours. Give your family a heads-up in advance, so they don’t count on an additional place setting at the table. After your separate gatherings, you can come back together and create holiday memories that will make you the ultimate power couple of fashion and love.
9. Remind Your Family It’s Not Personal: The Fashion Diplomat
Sometimes our families may not fully understand our fashionably complicated itineraries. If you sense any tension or doubt, remind them that where you choose to spend your time is not personal. Explain that you’re making choices to avoid becoming overwhelmed, saying something like, “I wish I could be there, but this year, I am choosing to do XYZ to maintain my sanity. Let’s catch up after the holiday!” By tactfully balancing fashion and diplomacy, you’ll be the hero of the holiday season.
10. Do the Best You Can (Without Stressing Yourself Out): Fashionably Fierce Self-Care
At the end of the day, fashionistas, remember that you’re only one person, capable of being in only one place at a time. Do your best to attend the festivities that are important to your family and partner, but don’t sacrifice your sanity and happiness in the process. Mix and match these fabulous tips or stick with one that suits you best. After all, you deserve to have a special holiday season that doesn’t leave you feeling like a runaway model. Prioritize your own well-being, and show the world what a fashionista can truly accomplish.
This holiday season, embrace your inner fashionista and conquer the art of splitting time without losing your style or sanity. Remember, fashion lovers, the holidays are about love and laughter, not stress and overwhelm. Whether you choose to be a holiday superhero, a diplomatic diva, or a virtual merrymaker, make sure to prioritize yourself and create magical moments that will have everyone saying, “She sleighed it!”
So, my fabulous readers, how do you plan to spread the holiday cheer while maintaining your fashion-forward lifestyle? Do you have any stylish tips for splitting time during the holidays? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s sparkle our way through this holiday season together! ✨💃🎄
