Thriving the Holidays + Drink Recipe

I want to preface this by saying I really do love this time of year. I also recognize that this isn’t the case for everyone. But regardless of where you stand on “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, here are some tips for surviving thriving the holidays.

1. Be prepared

My wife loves lists. And as much as I love giving her a hard time about how many lists she has going at any given time, they are super effective, especially when you have a lot of balls in the air.

2. Keep your routine

I realize this can be difficult with travel and other commitments, but I always feel better when I can maintain a routine in chaotic times. Try to keep your sleep habits, don’t abandon your workout routine, and stay as close to your typical diet as possible.

3. You can say no

You can’t be everywhere at one time. Local events, family dinners, corporate parties, friends’ parties, etc. And if you’re like most people, work isn’t slowing down at the end of the year either. Prioritize your time (and that of your family) so you have some gas in the tanks when Christmas rolls around.

4. Phone down, speak up

One of the things I love most about large family holidays is that it is almost impossible to waste the day on your phone. Try to enjoy the little time you have with people you probably very rarely spend quality time with. Make an effort to learn about what is happening in other people’s lives, even though they may not reciprocate

5. Ask for help

Don’t hesitate to ask friends or family members to help, especially if you’re hosting. In my businesses, I call this outsourcing. “Outsource” the tasks you don’t want to do, even if it means paying someone to do it (pay your niece to wrap your presents, hire a babysitter so you can run errands without additional distractions).

6. Focus on the reason

There is purpose behind the holidays we celebrate this time of year, and it has nothing to do with shopping and partying. For our family, we make an effort to consciously recognize why we celebrate Christmas every year. My wife and I remind ourselves (and our children) that whatever comes of this holiday, the true gift of Christmas has already been given to all. It really does put everything else into perspective.

Bonus: Christmas Drink Recipe - Glühwein

Alright now the fun stuff. I despise recipe pages online nowadays that include a life story before getting to actual recipe. So let me just say that I love this recipe because:

1. Your kitchen will smell amazingly festive
2. You can leave it on the stove for people to serve themselves
3. I love a good, warm drink in the Winter
4. It’s delicious

Ingredients

• 3 liters of red wine (something cheap that everyone will like)
• 2-3 cups of brown sugar
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Whole or ground allspice
• 2 oranges
• 2 cups of orange juice
• Optional: brandy or bourbon to taste

Method

1. Pour red wine into a large pot on very low heat -- do not let the wine boil or it’ll burn off that alcohol you need
2. Cut oranges into slices. Push cloves into each orange slice (4-5 cloves per slice)
3. Add cinnamon sticks and allspice, orange juice and 2 cups of brown sugar
4. Stir occasionally for 30 minutes. Add brandy or bourbon.
5. Taste and add as needed:
1. Sugar
2. Brandy/Bourbon
6. Keep pot on lowest heat, being careful not boil.