Sinterklaas is over. Now the annual ritual of considerations and decisions begins. You have to think about what you will do on Christmas Eve, who we will invite on Christmas Day, and where the best New Year's Eve party is? A lot of organizing and fuss unless you have been smart enough to book a flight to a tropical destination. December must be cozy, harmonious, and yes, preferably celebrated together. If you don't participate for some reason, you have a problem. Before I tell you how to solve that, first a little about my personal December stress.

I work for magazines and the December days start just after the summer vacation. Editorial teams (me included) brainstorm about original quick recipes with optimal effect, and whether we will hang color or silver in the tree this year. To get into the spirit, we let a willing baker make Christmas wreaths and ginger nuts, and there is always a tree (yes, of course it's fake) with real ornaments and a star. Hilarious of course, but it works. The downside is that if you are busy with it for so long in advance, by the time the moment arrives, much of the fun of those cozy festive days is gone. Not everyone turns out to be charmed by the, admit it, somewhat compulsive cozy, peace-on-earth character of those days.

Here are my 5 tips for a stress-free Christmas.

DVD SERIES

Invite everyone you know who dreads the days just as much as you do or people you know who are alone, and stock up on a nice DVD series. If you have enough sleeping space, make it a pajama party and organize a 24-hour Homeland-Borgen-The Bridge-Penoza marathon. Sushi or pizza in between and of course plenty of wine. Success guaranteed.

SHOP

Maybe you normally don't have much time or simply can't go a day without? In Belgium, they don't celebrate a second Christmas Day. Take the train or the car and flee to fashion paradise Antwerp where all the shops are just open. Visit the Nationalestraat where Antwerp's fashion scene concentrates, stroll through Schuttershofstraat with famous designers, and of course, go to the cozy Kloosterstraat for antiques and vintage.

À LA GEER EN GOOR

What goes around comes around. Maybe you know someone who could use a little extra attention and who you can help by just stopping by for a chat. If you have a cultural outing planned, it's good to know that the major museums are just open.

HOME ALONE

I love to be busy in my house during those days. Tidying up, clearing out my closets, or maybe I’ll paint a wall daringly in Hermès orange. Books, magazines, nice music. Just NOT having to do anything.

TASTY FOOD

Decide to go for a traditional Christmas meal? Realize that you are not a better hostess just because you made everything you serve yourself. Make good use of what a good caterer has to offer. Timing and warming up well is also an art.

Happy Holiday, before you know it, it's 2014.

Have fun,
Peggy