Holiday Edition - Tips for the Holiday

[Kristina Riddle]

The (unofficial) Holiday Guide
^{By: Kristina Riddle, Advice Columnist}

This time of year is hard no matter what you celebrate, so lets make this year count. Gift giving is hard work, and can get expensive quick. SO I have create a quick list of do’s and don’ts this holiday season.

• Do take time to visit loved ones, family and friends
  
• Don’t make it a requirement and get angry when someone can not make it.
  
  
• Do stay home when sick, no one likes a party pooper, but being sick your not going to be happy.
  
• Don’t forget to make new plans, or send gifts if you are sick. A simple missed you card is a great reminder for friends and family that you have not forgotten them.
  
  
• Do keep it real. No huge gifts that no one wants, sometimes simple and sweet does the job just right.
  
• Don’t worry! Yes you are bound to forget someone, that is why I sugesst making a collection of baked goods, just in case they are great quick and inexpensive ways to say that you care.
  
  
• Do dress nicely, torn and ripped clothes are not part of the holiday, but that does not mean you have to be formal, Nice pair of jeans and a clean top will do wonders for the total atmosphere.
  
• Don’t forget to be clean, yes Holidays is all about getting close, so If you smell at all, breath or what not, make sure to take care of that before hand.
  
  
• Do smile, even when given a gift that is not so great. It is the thought that counts, and well even if the thought was not there, remember that the person is part of your life too.
  
• Don’t be disappointed with what you gave someone else. Yes perhaps you may not have spent a lot, but if you really put some thought, or time into it, then it is all worth it.
  

So there is a quick list of do’s and don’ts this season. Hundreds more advice on the topic can go one for decades so lets keep it free minded and open. Talk things with your friends, and make sure everyone is on the same page. A good idea is to set spending limits, say 5 gallons a person, too much bring it down to size. You can do a lot with a little. Be sure to take a look at the holiday displays in Diagon Ally too, they can give great gift ideas.

This is Kristina Riddle,
Reporting for the Daily Prophet
Need advice? Owl Kristina