The Pretendist by Natalie Bidnick

If you’re anything like me, the holiday season is the most stressful time of the year.

Q4 is coming to a swift end, Q1 is looming ahead with possibilities, and a mountain of personal and professional tasks lay between you and a tipsy toast on New Year’s Eve.

On my plate? Some new initiatives and projects at the office, about 25 pages of research and creative writing for grad school, some strategic plotting and scheming for 2013, and the usual holiday hoopla (presents, travel, and hosting – oh my!)

Don’t get me wrong, I love the holiday season and am extremely grateful for everything I have gained this year.

But. But sometimes I do feel like hiding under my desk with a flask of eggnog until it’s all over. And I don’t even like eggnog.

So on this gloriously balmy Sunday night (in the 80s in Austin today!), with Elf blaring in the background, I’m going to share three ways I survive the holidays and enter the new year – somewhat – less stressed for the year ahead.

1.  I act like a child.

From screaming “SANTA! I KNOW HIM. I KNOW HIM” a la Will Ferrell to singing Christmas carols with glee to obsessing over finding the best holiday lights display, I always remember to channel my inner child this season. More than usual.

2. I sing. Always. 

Not necessarily Christmas carols either. As Buddy the Elf says: The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Yes, my neighbors hate me.

3. Get OUT. 

Get out of the house, the mall, the car. No matter how cold it is where you are get OUTSIDE. And walk around!  (Yeah, it’s 80 here, but it was 20 when I was in Chicago last week, and I still got outside).

So there you have it. A little fun, a little singing, a little outside time, and you’re bound to have a holly jolly time this season. Without an eggnog overdose.

Beautiful Austin today while I walked.