5 Tips to Surviving a Postgrad Christmas

14 December 2014

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During your Postgrad Christmas season, which of the following will you have to navigate :

 a. buying gifts for your family and friends with a very limited salary (hello there, entry level job!)
b. holiday punch no. 1 or no. 2? (staff holiday party etiquette)
c. I swear these crisp white jeans fit me at last week's brunch...
d. end-of-the-year office stress
e. a need to snuggle-up and watch all of your favorite holiday movies
f. all of the above (yes, this one)

 The days of carefree month-long vacations are sadly a thing of the past (but then again, so are finals), and now you're navigating the need for "me" time and family time and trying to get into the joy of the holiday season while still working full-time, trying to cross everyone off your Christmas list and successfully make it through your staff holiday party in one, dignified, piece.

 Luckily, one year out from college, I have begun to put together a few tricks to surviving these at times stressful, and at times beautiful, time of the year. I hope you find time to enjoy the season with all of your loved ones' this season and have a cup of eggnog for me! Cheers!

Gifting on An Entry-Level Budget

Ok, this one is tricky. You want to be able to get everyone's wish list item, but we know that is not possible on a budget of less than 40k a year unless you're amazing at budgeting the other 340 days of the year (doubtful). So, here is how you can make everyone happy and not break the dwindling bank account-and hopefully have some $$ left over for killer New Year's plans.



  • Remember how when you were 5-years-old and having your first kid birthday party with your bffs from kindergarten how your mom said "it is the thought that counts" in desperate hope that you would not be rude to your new friends? Don't underestimate the accuracy of that statement. Whether it is taking the crafty-approach, baking something, putting together a special collection of photos or quotes, your family and friends care that you put thought into something rather than spent the last of your monthly grocery allowance on a trinket. Think family memories, inside jokes, funny moments, personal goals of that person-and make it into a gift that speaks to them.
  • Think experience v. material good. Sometimes a free concert together, or a fun gallery exhibit and "date" gift can be way more fun and enjoyable than having to wrap something in paper. Be creative!

Be the Life of the Party (in a really classy, sophisticated way)

Ok, we all know Holiday Staff Party is not code for reliving your frat days and pre-gaming with 3 shots of tequila and a chaser of coke. But it may be less clear exactly how to find the line between professional and social office-self. How do you show your fun side and fraternize with the coworkers while maintaining your reputation of being a reliable and hard-working team player?
  • Stick to the wine. No matter how exciting or festive or tasty the "punch" is (because it will be awesome, no doubt) it will also leave you either face-down in your co-worker's car or the star of Monday-morning water cooler gossip. Avoid both. Drink wine. And lots of water.
  • Make a point to say hi to your VIPs. This includes your supervisor, coworkers in your department and other pertinent leadership staff. Doesn't have to be life-changing conversation. Just a simple hello, how is the evening going, great to see you chat. It is good to show a little bit of your social side and connect on a personal level outside of the daily grind.
  • Dress it classy and covered-up. While your Mean Girls uniform may have been a crowd-pleaser at your sorority social senior year, it will need to stay in the closet. Try a festive color (deep red, emerald green, silver or gold) and keep it office-appropriate with a just-above the knee length skirt or conservative dress. Showing arms=totally fine. Cleavage and upper thigh=not so much. 

The Christmas 15

You've eaten your weight in holiday cookies and are feeling the need to wear leggings 24/7. Such is the holiday lifestyle. Too much good food. Usually of the sugary, buttery, high-calorie variety. Try these tips to feel less bloated and actually be able to slip into those skinny jeans next Saturday night:
  • Water is your best friend. Wake up with green tea. Go straight to the water. No mid-day soda breaks or juice binges. Water all the way. And after those holiday cocktails at 10pm? More water.
  • Skip on the salty, stick to the fresh fruit and veggies. This is not brain science. I know those chips and dip look amazing, as does the cheese and cold cuts plate with baguette. But you will be very displeased the next morning. Fresh produce is forever your holiday best friend.
  • Simple yoga stretches, such as these, will keep your energy up and those holiday toxins from settling-in for a long stretch of hibernation. Do these exercises every morning to wake you up, or to detox before you go to bed. Namaste.
  • Walk more. Whether it is trekking to a further bus stop, going on a small walk during your lunch break, or taking a light jog around the neighborhood after work, little bits of regular exercise will make all the difference. You will be happy (yay endorphins), your tight LBD will look amazing on Christmas Eve and you will get to browse all of the holiday decorations in your neighborhood.

I just want to see that "Out of the Office" message already...

We all know the holiday and end-of-the-year cycle has its share of stressful moments. Some overtime will happen, not enough sleep will happen, and you will start to wish that AM coffee was spiked with something more than eggnog. Beat some of that office stress with the following adjustments:
  • Put up some holiday decor in your cubicle. Whether it is taping up Christmas cards from friends and family, stringing a strand of lights around your computer monitor or pinning-up some garland on the wall, embrace the season! Add some peppermint sticks in a little mug on your desk, and spread the joy of the season.
  • Get those 7 hours of sleep. Your body will be screaming hibernation mode, but if you go over 9 on the regular dragging your body out of bed will seem an impossibility. Get sleep, but don't give-in to the sloth voices in your head.
  • Time management is key. You don't want to leave on vacation feeling stressed from the impending "to-do list" or with your head reeling from all the 2015 planning. Know how to wrap it all up in a bow before clocking-out for the holidays, and you'll actually get to enjoy the extra zzzs, curling-up with a leisure book and long brunches with the family.


A Definitive List of Classic Flicks and Holiday Cocktail Pairings

Holiday movies are the best (Love, Actually on repeat for days) and holiday cocktails are decidedly the best part of December anyway...so I put the two together. Enjoy.

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