How To Not White Knuckle it Through Black Friday
It’s that time of year again. Shop, shop, shopping. With the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations humming alongside the best sales of the year, it’s easy to get white hot this Black Friday week(s). Like hidden underneath the Christmas tree flat as a ginger cookie caught up.
Keep your cool, fashion friends. Here’s a quick list to make sure you’re not missing the point of the season: as JLo says, “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.”
Be Mindful of Your Purchases
As the domination of Black Friday creeps father into the Great White North, keep your cool. Make your list, stick to the budget, and buy with confidence. And please know the sales will continue well into December and likely through January. It’s not really now or never. Those pesky marketers are tapping into your desire to please your loved ones through buying stuff. The “it” gift is great if you stay in your lane, be deliberate, and keep your wits about you.
Remember That Many Holidays Are Co-Existing
Don’t be that dick that makes it all about you and your traditions. Create and hold a little bit of space for the diverse cultures all around us. The lovely expression “happy holidays” - note the plural - includes many celebrations. The more the merrier. Here’s Decembers days of significance as noted in UBCs website.
1 – World AIDS Day
2 – International Day for the Abolition of Slavery (UN)
3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities (UN)
6 – National Day of Remembrance of Action on Violence Against Women
10 – Human Rights Day
18-26 – Hanukkah (Judaism)
20 – International Human Solidarity Day
25 – Christmas (Christianity)
26- Jan 1 – Kwanzaa
‘Tis the Season To Give (to Others)
For the most part, your loved ones just want to be with you over the holidays. A bunch of unused stuff is gross. The folks that are privileged enough to have the holidays in a cosy home with full bellies, have an opportunity to spread generosity. That’s me; does it sound like you, too? It may be time to ask what can you do with you and yours this season? Some ideas include:
Making volunteering part of your holiday plans. And consider signing up all year long.
Including charitable donations in lieu of some gifts. Stuff those stockings by paying it forward.
Maybe starting a new tradition and have the 12 giving days with your nearest and dearest.
Curious who needs some help? How about these local gems:
Bear Clan Patrol Calgary - “We Proudly Serve Mohkinstsis & Treaty 7 Communities.”
Walls Down Collective Calgary - “Taking down walls by providing communities with access to no-barrier resources and care.”
Calgary Food Bank - “…Is the first line of emergency food support for families and individuals facing crisis.”
My personal beloved charities include:
Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society - “AARCS is a grassroots animal welfare organization based in Alberta.”
Dress for Success Calgary - “…Empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.”
Be Thoughtful About What “Santa” Brings The Kids in Your Life
Come the new year when the little’s in your life head back to school, please know it can be a sensitive time. Many kids brag and boast about what “Santa” brought them for the holidays while other kids sit quietly, somewhat mystified, and go without. The less privileged kids may start to question their worth and place in the world. Don’t be a part of the reason they might do that. Compassion, thoughtfulness, and tact are huge lessons that your loved ones will take with them as they grow into kind adults.
After Being Cooped Up For So Long, Wear the Damn Sparkles
Your closet called: it has missed you. As this pandemic shifts into an endemic state, go ahead and pull out all those clothes you’ve been saving and likely say something like, “I don’t know where I would wear them?” Wear them now, silly goose. They’ve been waiting.
Actually looking forward to that work party? - Sparkle and shine baby. You’re well overdo for some festive attire. Go big.
Time cosy at home with loved ones? Pick an inclusive theme - holiday, sweatsuits, a colour, whatever - and coordinate your lounge wear. One core personal belief of mine is that everyone has a better time at a theme party.
Do you have 500 kids parties to bop and snow hop to? - Make the other parents squirm and gossip with seeing your fabulousness. But remember whatever they say -especially behind your back - is none of your business. Do you.
Thinking about finally getting some loved one photos after a lot of time away from one another? - be it biological, blended, or chosen family, creating a dress code colour way or theme for photos is a sure way to mark a memory. Your camera roll will thank you.
Final Haute Tips
If ever you get flustered, take a minute, and turn on the greatest holiday hit of my lifetime from patron Saint of Christmas: Mariah Carey. There’s nothing like blasting, “All I Want for Christmas is You” to refocus on what really matters.
And maybe what matters includes what’s on my list: silver slouch chainmail stiletto point toe boots, size 39. And 14 puppies. I kid, I kid…
