How to Prepare (Last Minute) for the Holidays

Pam, Team Copper Fit

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"First, we’ll make snow angels for two hours, then we’ll go ice skating, then we’ll eat a whole roll of Toll House cookie dough as fast as we can, and then we’ll snuggle." - William “Buddy” Hobbs, Elf

Sounds great, Buddy.

But right now, the holiday season feels more like: “I still need to go to the grocery store, wrap five gifts, make the guest bed, send out the rest of the Christmas cards and get a gift for Aunt Bertha!”

Are you with me? Hopefully, you can sit back and start to enjoy the season like Buddy the Elf, but if you are still getting it all together, here are some tips to stay sane preparing. It’s time to get the stress levels low so you can truly enjoy the season, your loved ones, and your friends.

Last minute? No problem!

This is the one that keeps us up at night- when you're still not done with your holiday shopping at the 11th hour! No gift, no problem! Here are some ideas:

A last-minute gift card. This might not feel personal enough, but people appreciate picking out just what they like. You can make it more personal too, how about a Copper Fit gift card- it’s a digital gift card, so you can send it as “last minute” as you want. The recipient will be emailed with a unique code to be redeemed at check out. The email will be sent to the purchaser's email inbox, but you can also forward the gift card email. To make it personal, send it with a note that says, “I think you'll love a Copper Fit Golf Shirt. Here’s a gift card to order the color you like.” Done!

Last-minute subscriptions. The gift that keeps on giving! A subscription box- once a month a special surprise will arrive at their front door. There are tea subscriptions, coffee, clothes, make-up - even pies! The options are endless- maybe a meal box for the new parents or a wine subscription for just about anyone.
Most everyone loves a gift that tugs at your heartstrings. Grab a photo frame or even a mini album. Find a same-day printer- local drugstores often have this capability. Present a meaningful memory with a special note. This is always a hit!

Get Mentally Ready

The holidays can be a time of stress with not only long to-do lists but also bringing together a lot of different personalities- we all know that family dynamics aren’t always smooth.

First, be realistic about holiday expectations- and laugh! If you pre-plan for questions that your great aunt might ask (like “So when are you getting married?” -type of stuff), you can have a plan for how you will peacefully react (peacefully is the key here!). Remind yourself to accept family members as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Pretty much a good rule for all year long, right? When things get heavy- bring in humor! Put on Elf, pull out a funny game like Reindeer Ringtoss, maybe set the tone by having everyone wear ugly sweaters. Turn up the music and spike the egg nog!
Try to stick to a routine as much as possible. Do you begin your mornings with a quiet cup of coffee to set your intentions for the day? Keep doing that. Don’t give up your daily walk- even better, gift everyone some comfy and supportive Copper Fit socks and announce a family walk or a fun backyard football game!
Do for others. Do things for others as a gift to them- and you. If family is frustrating or not getting along (or even if everything is smooth and wonderful), volunteering together is one of the best bonding activities.

Get Physically Ready

Give meditation a try. Take a deep breath. It’s an excellent way to keep calm and carry on- any time in life. Don’t have the patience for extended meditation? Just focus on your breathing, take five slow, deep breaths, focusing on breathing in and out— a powerful way to calm your body and mind. Try to do this starting NOW and beyond the holidays. "The relaxation response [meditation] helps decrease metabolism, lowers blood pressure, and improves heart rate, breathing, and brain waves. Tension and tightness seep from muscles as the body receives a quiet message to relax,” according to cardiologist Herbert Benson, MD, founder of the Mind/Body Institute at Harvard Medical School's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Keep moving. Not only will physical activity relieve stress, but it will keep off those holiday pounds and just make you feel better. Period. Don’t let aches or pains be an excuse not to move. Ankle issues? Copper Fit’s Rapid Relief Ankle might be what you need for extra support. The Rapid Relief Back Brace wraps you up for back pain; whether you need a boost of heat or a blast of cold, it provides recovery while on the go when you can’t let back pain slow you down.
Extra time off work, extra time for relaxation. For all of the fun plans and social time, make sure to rest. Resting strengthens your immune system and just makes you happier. Remember, scrolling on your phone is not resting! It can lead to anxiety, sleep issues, and more. So nestle in, get in your comfy clothes, like Copper Fit Everyday Leggings, they have a 4-way stretch fabric molds to your body. Grab a book, take a nap (or two), and RECHARGE!