Six Ways to Survive the Holidays

If you’re feeling trapped in that breathless space between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with errands to run and picky relatives to shop for, we get it.  Holidays are the most stressful time of year (apart from this year’s election season!), and even we forget to slow down and breathe in the most meaningful parts.

We took a break from stressing out over our own holiday preparations to put together this short film that will help us all survive the holidays with minimal collateral damage. 

Penelope Dullaghan lent her creative genius in the form of thoughtful and inspirational illustrations.  Though we’ve worked with Penelope before (on her artist profile film!), we’re especially grateful to have her on board for this project.  Not only does she have legit bragging rights thanks to her work with a few delicious names (think Starbucks, Vegetarian Times, and Panera Bread!), but she’s also worked with The New York Times and Washington Post (what a resume, right?).

We’d be lying if we said we weren’t also stoked that this film marks our seventh collaboration with O Magazine.  If that’s not a holiday worthy gift, we’re not sure what is! 

Our advice to you for the holidays is a six-step plan, but don’t let that scare you.  First, simplify your seasonal prep and resist overspending, overeating, or over decorating.  Then, remember to relax (who says you can’t indulge in a few non-food treats?).  Stop trying to control everything (or at least the things that don’t matter all that much).  Take time to yourself, bubble bath optional.  Organize what absolutely needs to be taken care of (with a list, or two, or ten!). 

And lastly: Take a deep breath and soak in the beauty of good company and good cheer.  And remember, like Oprah says, “Every day brings a chance to live free of regret and with as much joy, fun, and laughter as you can stand.”  Plus, a little pecan pie won’t hurt anyone, right?

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas,

The SALT Team :)