How do I survive Christmas?

Nothing is more stressful than the month of December. At least, that's how I experience it. Besides Sinterklaas and Christmas, I have my love anniversary on December 8th (anniversary sounds really old-fashioned) and on Boxing Day, my beloved has a birthday. So you can understand that I'm already in a panic.

Three years ago, I was asked out through a Sinterklaas poem. How romantic. It's quite handy that we can celebrate Sinterklaas and our anniversary at the same time. As a true tradition, we write a poem for each other every year that includes an overview of what we've experienced. Quite hilarious, we think, at least. A small discussion precedes every year about who gets to read their poem first. We are more enthusiastic about our own poem than about the other's. It's all very childish, but that's just how we are.

So I experience the beginning of December as a loving period: the calm before the storm. Christmas is approaching, and I prepare for stress and loud arguments. But why does Christmas bring so much misery? I know: I really sound like The Grinch now, but I'm always so happy when the Christmas days are over. I can't imagine I'm the only one. What are those two days in a whole year, I sometimes think.

Yet we often spend a whole month on it. This has of course everything to do with expectations. Christmas should be a warm and beautiful time, that's what it comes down to. You want to do well for your family, loved one, or even friends. It can be the moment you meet your in-laws for the first time, or it's that one day a year when you see your cousin with whom you actually don't have much to discuss. It can also be a period in which you miss someone extra badly.

But whether you like it or not: Christmas will exist for the time being. That's why I have a few tips to get through the Christmas days.

1. Give in to it
Just make the best of it. It's just two days: this too shall pass. I go through the Christmas days without resisting. You can't really escape it. I don't expect too much from it, and often that works out well. In the end, you'll see that you just have a very cozy evening with family.

2. Don't plan too much
This is often where it goes wrong. People celebrate Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and often they add a third or fourth day with friends. I don't do that anymore. Nowadays, I just lie on the couch with my mother on Christmas Eve and we watch “All you need is love”. I celebrate Christmas Day extensively with my family. After that, the Christmas fun is over for me (my boyfriend is Jewish, so his family doesn't celebrate it). I just plan Christmas dinners with friends a few weeks after Christmas. By that time, it certainly doesn't feel like Christmas anymore. So how long (or short) your Christmas lasts can somewhat be influenced.

3. Preparation is everything
Because I can't cook, I often get the task of taking care of the dessert. Nothing new but very true: preparation is everything. Last Christmas, I decided to make a pumpkin cheesecake on the day itself. Bad idea. Hell broke loose at home, and I fled to my parents to make the cake there. But once I arrived: a loud argument with my mother, who was also running around like a headless chicken in the kitchen. This didn't work. This coming Christmas, I will just make the dessert three days in advance.

4. Do an activity
Sitting at the table for a whole evening, no one is looking forward to that. Make sure you have a break during your ridiculously long Christmas dinner. Go dance or play a fun game, for example, 30 Seconds. Tip: don't be too competitive when playing this with your in-laws. My beloved and mother shouted at each other so much during our first Christmas that I was a bit afraid he would never be allowed to come again. Fortunately, he is still welcome to celebrate Christmas with us, but do watch out a bit: this game can cause unrest.

5. Fresh air
Can't escape those multiple Christmas days? Then seek out the fresh air in between so you can literally catch your breath. A walk in the woods or on the beach can be very nice, especially after all that food. This way, you'll be ready for your next Christmas activity.

6. Pack your bags
Are you really very unhappy with Christmas and can't suppress your inner Grinch? Then just book a ticket to a nice warm country and skip the whole Christmas period. It can be that simple.