#holiday hacks

[prankprincess123]

Big family holiday hack: Buying your siblings' birthday & Christmas presents months early, and adding another layer of wrapping paper and/or duct tape every time they annoy you.

My BIL's Christmas present currently has 5 boxes & idk how many layers of tape & paper

[littleteapotghost]

Today's probably-too-late-for-this-year holiday hack:

Maybe you've got that one relative that always asks you what you want for Christmayulkwanzsolstukah*

And who insists on buying something even though you're well over your limit on Physical Object Ownership.

And who will never, ever be cool with Gift Card/Pay a Bill/Please, Sir, Just a Shovel Full of Coal for the Fire?

My Bother in Heist, I'm trying to decide which utility will shut me off first, and you want to buy me >Things<?

But they want to feel Connected and like they're Making an Effort. How can that happen but still ease some practical burden?

Enter

"The List of Slightly Unusual, But Extremely Useable -Groceries- Special Gifts"

*Unusual is key- if something is Hard to find, Extremely Brand/Flavor-Specific, Regional, etc., it makes it more acceptable as a gift.

*I recommend shelf-stable stuff, but ymmv

*Make sure at least some of it sounds like Special Treats™️ so it feels gift-y to them

*Offer a backstory (Reference a location, person, and/or time period) - "During my trip to Toledo" "Grandma used to get..." "Back in college..."

*Make it about The Hunt™️ "I can't seem to find <thing> Woe is me!" Some folks LOVE the treasure hunt feeling of the gift process. Bonus points if you "can't remember the name"

*Tea and Coffee and Chocolate have an air of legitimacy as gifts, and being specific about flavors/types is seen as normal.

*My personal thing is seasonings, condiments, & toppings. If you can only afford Ramen noodles, being able to decorate them in tasty and interesting ways helps a LOT.

And yes, some of us have an Auntie Renelda who will ALWAYS manage to find a heinous generic version or nonsensical substitution, but at least it's not another Inflatable Keychain. Maybe somebody at your local food bank will be ecstatic to find Chocolate Prawn instant oatmeal.

Sorry that it's probably too late for this year, but good luck!

*I don't know what I celebrate year-to-year, I cannot presume to know what YOU celebrate or observe.

[jingerjarrett]

Holiday Survival Tips for Business Owners: How to Deal with Difficult Relatives and Keep Your Joy Intact

The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and relaxation. But for busy entrepreneurs, business owners, coaches, consultants, and solopreneurs, it can also be a time of added stress—especially when dealing with difficult family members. Balancing the demands of your business with family dynamics may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to steal your holiday joy.

With a little preparation and the right strategies, you can handle challenging relatives with grace while staying focused on what matters most. Here are practical tips to help you navigate family gatherings, maintain your peace, and enjoy the holidays without unnecessary drama.

Plan Ahead to Minimize Stress

A solid plan can make all the difference when it comes to managing holiday stress. Start by mapping out your priorities for both work and family. Block out time for important business tasks, holiday shopping, and family gatherings.

Communicate your schedule clearly to family members. For instance, if you’re attending a holiday dinner but need to leave early to prepare for a client meeting, let your relatives know in advance. A simple statement like, “I’m excited to join dinner but will need to head out by 8 PM for work” can prevent misunderstandings.

Planning ahead ensures you can meet your obligations while still making time for the people who matter most.

Set Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries are essential when dealing with challenging family dynamics. Before the holidays, think about what behaviors or topics you’re not willing to engage with. For example, if certain relatives tend to bring up sensitive subjects like your career or personal life, prepare polite but firm responses.

For instance, if someone asks about your work in a way that feels critical, you can say, “I appreciate your interest, but let’s focus on enjoying the holiday instead.” Setting boundaries helps you maintain control over your interactions and protect your mental well-being.

Practice Active Listening

Difficult relatives often just want to feel heard. By practicing active listening, you can diffuse tension and show empathy, even if you don’t agree with their perspective. Maintain eye contact, nod to show understanding, and repeat back what they’ve said to confirm you’ve heard them.

For example, you might respond with, “I understand that you’re concerned, and I value your opinion.” This approach can de-escalate conflicts and foster a more respectful conversation.

Redirect Negative Conversations

Holiday gatherings can sometimes veer into uncomfortable territory. When this happens, redirect the conversation to a more positive or neutral topic. For example, if someone starts discussing divisive topics like politics, you could say, “Let’s save that for another time. I’d love to hear about your holiday plans instead.”

Steering conversations toward uplifting subjects can help create a more enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.

Use Humor to Lighten the Mood

A little humor can go a long way in diffusing tension. When conversations get heated, try using lighthearted comments or jokes to break the ice. For instance, if someone brings up a controversial topic, you might say with a smile, “Looks like we’ve got our next debate club meeting right here!”

Laughter is contagious, and it can shift the focus away from conflict, making gatherings more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Prioritize Self-Care

The holidays can be emotionally and physically taxing, so it’s crucial to take care of yourself. Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercising, meditating, or spending time in nature. Even a short walk before or after a family gathering can help clear your mind and boost your mood.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. Taking care of your mental and physical health allows you to show up as your best self—both for your family and your business.

Know When to Walk Away

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, situations can become too intense. If a family member continues to cross boundaries or escalate conflicts, it’s okay to remove yourself from the situation. Politely excuse yourself with a statement like, “I need to step away for a moment,” and use the time to regroup.

Protecting your peace is more important than staying in an environment that feels toxic. Giving yourself permission to walk away demonstrates self-respect and helps maintain your mental well-being.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Holiday Spirit

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and connection. By planning ahead, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, you can navigate family dynamics with confidence and grace. Remember, it’s okay to put your needs first and create a holiday experience that aligns with your values and goals.

With these strategies, you’ll not only survive the holidays but thrive through them, keeping your joy and focus intact.

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[justposting1]

7 Low-Competition Winter Businesses You Can Start with Minimal Investment

Discover 7 low-cost, high-reward winter business ideas that few people are tapping into. Start small, earn big! 7 Winter Business Ideas You Can Start Today (Low Competition!) Winter is a season of unique opportunities, and for aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s the perfect time to carve out a niche in untapped markets. While many seasonal businesses revolve around summer activities, winter presents…

[shitpostroundhouse]

It's been in there since at least 2019, so get a move on!

[thatsbelievable]

[tart-miano]

✨COMMISSIONS OPEN!✨

So bad news, my family's house has water damage from a broken water heater. We're gonna need to pay for both a professional to come out and assess the severity of the damage/what to do next, AND a new water heater. So, if anybody can help us out, we'd be incredibly grateful!!!

[jerevision]

This evening I was so tired I dozed off fully clothed next to my son on his bed while reading a bedtime story. I woke up disoriented about 20mins ago and remembered that Šta Bih Ja was out at midnight. Now we're both awake, sitting on his bed and listening to it on loop, life is good

[cdyssey]

o my god.

[snowf14me]

Various guys appeared!

Deltarune: Halloween Hack by @delusionsofvoid

[thornaelle]

This year I bring January Jubilation and @masseffectholidaycheer to @pioneer-over-c! They said this scene was their favourite interaction between Shepard and Kaidan (sure, it's the same for all LIs but it just works so well for renegade leaning Shenko) and SAME so I knew I had to draw it.

I hope you like it and that I did Greye justice!

[thislittlekumquat]

Because that is not the typical purpose of Christmas in the liturgical calendar nor are those the typical devotional themes. Hope this helps.

[justposting1]

This Is My Secret to an Organized Suitcase, and It Costs Less than $10

Discover the Affordable Packing Solution That Will Keep Your Suitcase Neat and Organized—For Under $10! Packing Made Easy: Organize Your Suitcase for Less Than $10! Traveling can be exciting, but packing often feels like a chaotic puzzle. If you’ve ever opened your suitcase to find wrinkled clothes, misplaced socks, or tangled chargers, you’re not alone. Over the years, I’ve experimented with…

[scribefindegil]

My toxic trait is that I love fandom exchanges but I also love living under a rock and never ever ever checking maintags so I have no way of learning about events that are happening except sheer luck

[bkwormkate]

Summary: Deborah has been asked to be a celebrity contestant on The Great American Baking Show: Celebrity Holiday Special . She is less than thrilled about baking and even less so about needing to recruit Ava to help. Can they make it through the preparations after Ava's apparent betrayal and blackmail?

Written for @sapphicscholar as part of the Hacks Winter Gift Exchange. Thank you for organising this lovely event!

[thatsbelievable]