20 Holiday Survival Guide by Micah: Final Set

We're down to the last set of Holiday Survival Guide by Micah. For the previous posts kindly refer to the following links: #s 1-5, #s 6-10 and #s 11-15.

Ready for the final set? Here we go...

16. HOUSE ARREST

You stayed out too late with your friends after your class Christmas party, and now you're grounded - gasp! - for the rest of the break.

Feel Good: Your first impulse may be to slam your bedroom door and get mad at your parents, but let it go because it's Christmas and you shouldn't be fighting with your family. Instead, now's your chance to spend a lot of quality time with them., especially since you probably devoted more time with your friends throughout the school year.

17. DELIVERY DELAY

You ordered your family's presents online and the items didn't arrive in time for Christmas.

Look Good: Tackle the situation with a sense of humor. On Christmas day give your family a handmade card that pokes fun at how their gifts are still on the way.

18. ILL-TIMED ILLNESS

You got sick during the holidays.

Feel Good: You can still have fun while getting some rest. Play good ol' board games with your siblings, or have your cousins over for a movie marathon. Stuck in bed? Catch up on some reading or compose a year-ender blog entry.

19. STUDY BREAK
You have exams first thing after the holidays.
Do Good: Set aside time for reviewing and stick to it. If you don't plan your Christmas schedule beforehand, you'll likely get caught up in all the social activities and end up not studying. Arrange a group study session if it'll help, but not if you know that you and your friends probably won't get anything done.

20. HOLIDAY BULGE

Ah, the inevitable -- you packed on a few unwanted pounds. Don't stress because you're likely the rule, not the exception.

Look Good: Don't feel so down and starve yourself for the rest of your Christmas break. Instead start the New Year with a new sport or fitness regimen. Make it a family or barkada activity so you won't ditch it before January ends!

I hope you find all these tips helpful. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

Continue Reading

20 Holiday Survival Guide by Micah: Final Set

We're down to the last set of Holiday Survival Guide by Micah. For the previous posts kindly refer to the following links: #s 1-5, #s 6-10 and #s 11-15.

Ready for the final set? Here we go...

16. HOUSE ARREST

You stayed out too late with your friends after your class Christmas party, and now you're grounded - gasp! - for the rest of the break.

Feel Good: Your first impulse may be to slam your bedroom door and get mad at your parents, but let it go because it's Christmas and you shouldn't be fighting with your family. Instead, now's your chance to spend a lot of quality time with them., especially since you probably devoted more time with your friends throughout the school year.

17. DELIVERY DELAY

You ordered your family's presents online and the items didn't arrive in time for Christmas.

Look Good: Tackle the situation with a sense of humor. On Christmas day give your family a handmade card that pokes fun at how their gifts are still on the way.

18. ILL-TIMED ILLNESS

You got sick during the holidays.

Feel Good: You can still have fun while getting some rest. Play good ol' board games with your siblings, or have your cousins over for a movie marathon. Stuck in bed? Catch up on some reading or compose a year-ender blog entry.

19. STUDY BREAK
You have exams first thing after the holidays.
Do Good: Set aside time for reviewing and stick to it. If you don't plan your Christmas schedule beforehand, you'll likely get caught up in all the social activities and end up not studying. Arrange a group study session if it'll help, but not if you know that you and your friends probably won't get anything done.

20. HOLIDAY BULGE

Ah, the inevitable -- you packed on a few unwanted pounds. Don't stress because you're likely the rule, not the exception.

Look Good: Don't feel so down and starve yourself for the rest of your Christmas break. Instead start the New Year with a new sport or fitness regimen. Make it a family or barkada activity so you won't ditch it before January ends!

I hope you find all these tips helpful. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

Continue Reading

20 Holiday Survival Guide by Micah #s 11-15

Just to keep you on track, see #s 1-5 link here and #s 6-10 here.

11. GUEST IN EXCESS

You organized a party and more people showed up than you had expected. There's not enough food for everyone.

Feel Good: Relax and remember that there's such a thing as pizza delivery. If you don't have enough cash on you, take a few close friends aside and ask if they can help you pay in the mean time.

12. FORGETFUL LUCY

You prepared and exchange gift, but you forgot to bring it to the party.

Do Good: If lots will be drawn at the party, take the host aside and tell him or her to take you off the list. If it's a Secret Santa, just approach the receiver and apologize for forgetting your present. Make sure you give it to him as soon as you can!

13. FASHION FAUX PAS

You were underdressed or overdressed for a party.

Look Good: You can usually tell by the venue if you need to dress up for an affair. If you're not sure, carry something that can quickly upgrade your look, like makeup or a dressy shawl. But if you're caught off guard, just apologize to the host for the oversight. There's not much else you can do, so let it go and enjoy yourself.

14. MANDATORY MINGLING
You're forced to meet and hang out with people you don't really know or like.
Feel Good: You're definitely not alone in this. Think of it as an opportunity to learn something new. Who knows? You might meet someone interesting, or you just might discover that you and your annoying cousin actually have lots in common.

15. SNATCHER ALERT

You lost your wallet or got pick-pocketed while shopping.

Do Good: Prevent this by securing your valuables and minding your belongings at all times -- remember, shopping areas will be much more crowded and thieves will be on the prowl. If it has already happened, don't forget to cancel your ATM and credit cards right away. Report the loss to mall security in case someone returns it.

Five more... stay tuned!

Continue Reading

20 Holiday Survival Guide by Micah #s 11-15

Just to keep you on track, see #s 1-5 link here and #s 6-10 here.

11. GUEST IN EXCESS

You organized a party and more people showed up than you had expected. There's not enough food for everyone.

Feel Good: Relax and remember that there's such a thing as pizza delivery. If you don't have enough cash on you, take a few close friends aside and ask if they can help you pay in the mean time.

12. FORGETFUL LUCY

You prepared and exchange gift, but you forgot to bring it to the party.

Do Good: If lots will be drawn at the party, take the host aside and tell him or her to take you off the list. If it's a Secret Santa, just approach the receiver and apologize for forgetting your present. Make sure you give it to him as soon as you can!

13. FASHION FAUX PAS

You were underdressed or overdressed for a party.

Look Good: You can usually tell by the venue if you need to dress up for an affair. If you're not sure, carry something that can quickly upgrade your look, like makeup or a dressy shawl. But if you're caught off guard, just apologize to the host for the oversight. There's not much else you can do, so let it go and enjoy yourself.

14. MANDATORY MINGLING
You're forced to meet and hang out with people you don't really know or like.
Feel Good: You're definitely not alone in this. Think of it as an opportunity to learn something new. Who knows? You might meet someone interesting, or you just might discover that you and your annoying cousin actually have lots in common.

15. SNATCHER ALERT

You lost your wallet or got pick-pocketed while shopping.

Do Good: Prevent this by securing your valuables and minding your belongings at all times -- remember, shopping areas will be much more crowded and thieves will be on the prowl. If it has already happened, don't forget to cancel your ATM and credit cards right away. Report the loss to mall security in case someone returns it.

Five more... stay tuned!

Continue Reading

20 Holiday Survival Guide by Micah #s 6 - 10

#s 1-5 link is here.

6. DINNER DILEMMA
You want to go to a friend’s party but your parents won’t allow you because there’s a family affair on the same day.
Feel Good: Try to reach a compromise with your folks. Maybe you can spend a few hours at a family dinner then leave for your friend’s holiday bash.

7. LAST MINUTE MADNESS
You crammed your holiday shopping and now you can’t find good presents at the mall for your friends and family.
Feel Good: Don’t just grab any item because it’s convenient – you won’t be happy with your gifts and the receiver may not be, either. Two words: Online shopping. Make sure you’re buying from a reliable seller and take note of how long the delivery will take. Tell your family you’re expecting a package in the mail because they might open it.

8. HOME ALONE
Your parents are abroad for the holidays so you’re alone or stuck with the relatives you’re not that close to.
Feel Good: It can get pretty lonely celebrating without your folks, so if you’re alone ask your bestie or your favorite aunt if they would mind having you over at Christmas meal. If you’re with relatives, this is a good chance to bond with them over shopping or food.

9. NOT ON THE WISHLIST
You unwrap a present that’s ugly, or worse, recycled.Do Good: Thank the giver anyway and don’t dish the gift in front of him or her. If you know that you’re really never going to use the item, donate it rather than eventually throwing it in the trash.  (Shh, no need to tell the person who gave it to you.)

10. POOR ATTENDANCE
You hosted a dinner party, but very few people showed up because everyone else was so busy.
Look Good: Turn it into a spa session! Enjoy an intimate gathering and bond over mani-pedis and a movie. (Hmm, mani-pedi  sounds odd to me.) Next time though, check with your guests ahead of time if they are free on the date you want to hold a party. Everyone’s calendars fill up pretty quickly as the holidays draw near!

Next to blog, Holiday Survival Guide #s 10-15. Stay tuned!

Continue Reading

20 Holiday Survival Guide by Micah #s 6 - 10

#s 1-5 link is here.

6. DINNER DILEMMA
You want to go to a friend’s party but your parents won’t allow you because there’s a family affair on the same day.
Feel Good: Try to reach a compromise with your folks. Maybe you can spend a few hours at a family dinner then leave for your friend’s holiday bash.

7. LAST MINUTE MADNESS
You crammed your holiday shopping and now you can’t find good presents at the mall for your friends and family.
Feel Good: Don’t just grab any item because it’s convenient – you won’t be happy with your gifts and the receiver may not be, either. Two words: Online shopping. Make sure you’re buying from a reliable seller and take note of how long the delivery will take. Tell your family you’re expecting a package in the mail because they might open it.

8. HOME ALONE
Your parents are abroad for the holidays so you’re alone or stuck with the relatives you’re not that close to.
Feel Good: It can get pretty lonely celebrating without your folks, so if you’re alone ask your bestie or your favorite aunt if they would mind having you over at Christmas meal. If you’re with relatives, this is a good chance to bond with them over shopping or food.

9. NOT ON THE WISHLIST
You unwrap a present that’s ugly, or worse, recycled.Do Good: Thank the giver anyway and don’t dish the gift in front of him or her. If you know that you’re really never going to use the item, donate it rather than eventually throwing it in the trash.  (Shh, no need to tell the person who gave it to you.)

10. POOR ATTENDANCE
You hosted a dinner party, but very few people showed up because everyone else was so busy.
Look Good: Turn it into a spa session! Enjoy an intimate gathering and bond over mani-pedis and a movie. (Hmm, mani-pedi  sounds odd to me.) Next time though, check with your guests ahead of time if they are free on the date you want to hold a party. Everyone’s calendars fill up pretty quickly as the holidays draw near!

Next to blog, Holiday Survival Guide #s 10-15. Stay tuned!

Continue Reading

20 Holiday Survival Guide by Micah: #s 1 – 5

Breeze through December’s mishaps and misadventures and have your best Christmas vacation ever!

1. BUDGET CUT
You weren't able to save up and you have no money to buy gifts.
Do good: Make some money by caroling with neighbors (possible? Imposible?) or have a bake sale with friends.  Or, unleash your creativity and make your own gifts! Don’t worry handmade doesn’t mean ugly. Browse through you’re your favorite beautiful websites for ideas and inspiration.

2. UNWILLING ENTERTAINER
You were forced to perform at your family’s Christmas reunion.
Look Good: Even if you feel like you’re only embarassing yourself, you can make sure you look your best.Even better, grab your siblings and cousins and put on a memorable show!

3. PARTY PLANNING STRESS
You’ve been tasked to organize the class Christmas party and you’re overwhelmed by all the things you have to do.
Feel Good: First, take a deep breath. Then start calling your classmates and delegate tasks. Hey, een Santa has his little helpers!

4. LAZY MORNINGS
You didn’t wake up on the first day of 'Simbang Gabi' (rooster mass) and now you don’t feel like going to mass on the remaining days.
Do Good: Make it a group date! Arrange to go with your friends or your parents and have breakfast after. The company will motivate you to get up early.

5. WARDROBE WOES
You have nothing to wear for a holiday costume party or a formal affair.
Look Good: Borrow, borrow, borrow! Ask your friends if they have stuffs in their closets that you can use – they probably do!

Got something to say? Shoot it! You know where, yes?

Advance Happy Holiday!

See you again for the remaining tips!

Continue Reading

20 Holiday Survival Guide by Micah: #s 1 – 5

Breeze through December’s mishaps and misadventures and have your best Christmas vacation ever!

1. BUDGET CUT
You weren't able to save up and you have no money to buy gifts.
Do good: Make some money by caroling with neighbors (possible? Imposible?) or have a bake sale with friends.  Or, unleash your creativity and make your own gifts! Don’t worry handmade doesn’t mean ugly. Browse through you’re your favorite beautiful websites for ideas and inspiration.

2. UNWILLING ENTERTAINER
You were forced to perform at your family’s Christmas reunion.
Look Good: Even if you feel like you’re only embarassing yourself, you can make sure you look your best.Even better, grab your siblings and cousins and put on a memorable show!

3. PARTY PLANNING STRESS
You’ve been tasked to organize the class Christmas party and you’re overwhelmed by all the things you have to do.
Feel Good: First, take a deep breath. Then start calling your classmates and delegate tasks. Hey, een Santa has his little helpers!

4. LAZY MORNINGS
You didn’t wake up on the first day of 'Simbang Gabi' (rooster mass) and now you don’t feel like going to mass on the remaining days.
Do Good: Make it a group date! Arrange to go with your friends or your parents and have breakfast after. The company will motivate you to get up early.

5. WARDROBE WOES
You have nothing to wear for a holiday costume party or a formal affair.
Look Good: Borrow, borrow, borrow! Ask your friends if they have stuffs in their closets that you can use – they probably do!

Got something to say? Shoot it! You know where, yes?

Advance Happy Holiday!

See you again for the remaining tips!

Continue Reading