1. If you don’t like Christmas music, don’t listen to it. No one is forcing you to (unless you work somewhere that it’s played all the time). If someone is enjoying it, though, don’t shit on their party.
   
2. Let people enjoy things. If someone wants to watch Christmas movies or decorate or have Christmas in their heart before Thanksgiving – leave them alone. They aren’t hurting you or impeding on your right to not celebrate it until after Turkey Day.
3. People who have the Christmas spirit before Thanksgiving aren’t “skipping”, “disrespecting”, or “ignoring” Thanksgiving. We can play Christmas carols and enjoy some green bean casserole. Besides, we’re the only country that celebrates Thanksgiving in November and even then, a lot of people in this country don’t observe it because of the historical implications and the current climate and attitude toward indigenous peoples even in 2018.
4. You don’t have to justify eating a big holiday meal, dessert, or treats. You also don’t have to diet for it or workout extra hard afterwards. You’re allowed to enjoy food and family and friends.
   
   
5. If you experience disordered eating, it’s okay if you need to bow out of holiday festivities to avoid a relapse. It’s also okay to talk to someone about what’s going on or to bring your own food if necessary. Same goes for diet restrictions or other dietary needs.
6. Stop saying stupid stuff like, “Calories don’t count during Christmas” or “get your fat pants ready”. Calories always count, obviously, but it’s okay to not count them. Also, all my pants are fat pants, because I’m fat. Eating lots of food for one meal might make you bloated, but it doesn’t make you fat. Maybe instead we could say, “Get your stretchy pants ready”? Yeah, that’s what I’m gonna say.
7. Holidays can get overwhelming, especially if you have anxiety and/or are introverted. You don’t have to go to every single holiday party or activity or event. Prioritize the ones you feel are most important, and if you feel like going to the other ones, do it! If you can’t, don’t force yourself. Do what you can and be kind to yourself.
   
8. If you don’t have a good relationship with your family, you aren’t required to see them during the holidays. Spend time with people who love and care about you and treat you with the kindness and respect you deserve. Your family is who you decide; whether they’re related to you or not.
9. Quit acting offended when someone says “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. They don’t know what holiday you celebrate. There are plenty of other things to be actually offended by. Besides, if they’re a cashier saying it, it might be company policy that they’re only allowed to say happy holidays and you getting mad at them doesn’t do anything but ruin their day over a rule that they can’t change and might think is silly, too. Retail workers have it hard as it is. Don’t make it worse.
10. Speaking of retail workers – they don’t control the prices. They don’t control the sales. They don’t control the fact that your coupon expired two weeks ago or doesn’t work on the one particular item you came in to buy and you just failed to read the fine print. Standing for 4-8 hours, sometimes without a break in a high-energy environment where you’re constantly have to be “on” is fucking hard. They’re human. Have some compassion and a little patience.
    
    

I hope you all have a happy holiday season and as Ellen says, “Be kind to one another”.

Love,
Angel