Holiday Season Prep: Soft Life Edition

More often than not, getting ready for the holiday season can be a stressful and expensive process, but here at Lapin Rouillé we believe in the philosophy of living a #SoftLife. So grab a pen and paper as we gift you the ultimate guide for easing into your holiday season this year.

First things first, you should know that there are 3 main categories to prepare for:

1. Events 
2. Emotions
3. Finances

As it pertains to Events, whether you’re attending or hosting, you MUST organize and plan what you will contribute. One of the best ways to do this is to create lists, YES, write it down! Creating a list of gifts to buy or ingredients you need ahead of time will aid in streamlining the process of curating a fantastic holiday dinner experience for your impossible in-laws. Also, it comes in handy when choosing whether you’re going to bring the potato salad, or the cranberry sauce to the annual holiday potluck at the office. This year we’re aiming for less last minute, and more “already did it”. 

When it comes to Emotions and Mental Health during this time of year it is something we urge you to get ahead of as well. Having less sunlight to brighten your days when you’re suddenly reminded that you can’t pick up the phone and call your grandfather anymore, all while having to interact with toxic family members with a smile, can cause a downward spiral of emotions that none of us want to endure this year! UChealth.org suggests these 5 tips:

1. Stick to normal routines as much as possible
2. Get enough sleep or rest
3. Take time for yourself, but don’t isolate yourself
4. Get exercise, even if it’s only taking a short walk.
5. Remember holiday blues are short term, so be patient and take things week by week and day by day. 

Now let’s talk about money, honey! Finances are crucial this time of year because many people struggle with finding that balance when it comes to gift giving. The key to combating our money woes this year will be to prioritize creating a budget. According to research, consumers plan to spend on average $1500 on gifts, travel, and entertainment this holiday season. It’s great to plan and decide how much you will spend ahead of time to avoid emotional purchases when the stress of a hovering secret santa deadline sneaks up on you. Speaking of gifting, we have a tip for that too; buy as you go. When you find yourself aimlessly strolling through Target months prior to holiday and you spot that candle your mother previously mentioned–BUY IT!

Anyway, we hope these quick and useful tips will help you better navigate the last quarter of the year, and don’t worry as long as you stay on top of your organization, your mental health, and your finances you’ll be just fine. Add a bold bottle of Lapin Rouillé Champagne to the mix and you’ll be even better!