10 Things NOT To Do On Christmas Day
- By Andrew Jacobs
- Dec 23, 2015
Christmas is almost here, and the JAM team thought you may need a few tips on how to make the best out of everyone's favorite day. Here are 10 things not to do on Christmas Day. You're welcome!
1. DO NOT turn on any non-Christmas music.
I don’t care if you hate Christmas music or are sick of it. If it isn’t playing in the background, you’re doing Christmas wrong.
It doesn’t matter whether you go for R&B with Mariah Carey’s Christmas Pandora Station or decide to tune into some classics like Frank Sinatra’s Christmas Pandora Station. But have it on! Or at least put A Christmas Story on repeat.
And don’t even think about playing that new Drake song from the radio instead. That definitely falls under things NOT to do on Christmas.
2. DO NOT fight with the family.
There’s always drama in the family, no one can debate that. But let’s leave all of that aside for the day (only 24 hours!) and remind ourselves that even that one cousin who’s super annoying and chews way too loudly is still a part of the family, whether we like it or not.
After all, it’s Christmas. Try to be kind, even if it’s just for the day. If you absolutely have to fight, wait until December 26th. We won’t fault you for that one.
3. DO NOT fill up on appetizers or desserts before the actual Christmas meal.
One of our marketing team members suggested this one (shout out to Kelly) and I had to put it on the list… because I do it every. Single. Year.
The moments I look forward to most on Christmas Day are the times when the appetizers and desserts come out. Consequently, once I’m at the dinner table, I don’t want a thing: I’m either too full on apps or want to save room for dessert. My grandma doesn’t necessarily appreciate that, so I have to remind myself that the mini hot dogs, mozzarella sticks, chips and dip, and M&M’s are not worth it (at least not all of them at once).
Add this to the list of things NOT to do on Christmas. Your stomach (and your grandma) will thank you!
4. DO NOT forget to bring comfortable clothes.
With all of the delicious food, it’s inevitable that a food baby will follow. We all like to dress up for Christmas (or we're forced to). But after all the pictures are taken, food demolished, and presents opened, all you’ll want to do is pull on some sweatpants, fall onto your bed, and never get up. Trust me, you do NOT want to be the one who forgot a change of clothes.
5. DO NOT forget to take pictures.
Even though you might not necessarily enjoy them in the moment, photos are absolutely essential to the Christmas experience. We get it. Fake-smiling is tiring. But we can guarantee that you’re going to look back on the pictures years from now and smile—for real, this time. Memories might stay in your head for a long time, but photos capture and freeze those precious moments perfectly, forever.
6. DO NOT forget your gifts.
The worst thing you could do is show up at a Christmas party empty-handed. Especially if your mom gave you a specific list of presents she just needed to have. So please do NOT forget any of your presents at home.
Forgot to do your Christmas shopping? Well, just grab a bottle of wine or something. Avoid breaking this rule at all costs.
7. DO NOT ask when you can open presents (unless you are 9 years old or younger).
We’re all thinking it: when can we finally open the presents? What did I get? How many of the gifts are mine? Are they as good as the ones I bought?
Take a deep breath. Enjoy every moment and wait patiently until the host or hostess says it’s time. This creates more suspense anyway, and who doesn’t love the thrill of that? Okay, you’re right, the wait stinks. But don’t complain about it … even if it’s just to your sister. Someone is bound to hear you, and it probably won’t end well for you if they do. Which leads us to our next point…
8. DO NOT tell someone you don’t like their gift–no matter how bad it really is.
Okay so maybe this is the most awkward thing on Christmas: not liking a present. No matter who gave it, no matter what it is—even if it would be a more suitable gift for your dog—you smile. You thank them. And you save the receipt.
9. DO NOT forget to have a good time.
Maybe you aren’t in the best mood because of work; maybe you’re hungover from the night before, or simply woke up on the wrong side of bed. Regardless, try your hardest to have the best time ever. Listen to all of your grandparents’ stories (yes, even the ones you’ve heard millions of times before) and indulge the little ones with their games.
Do things you normally wouldn’t do with family, such as dancing, singing Christmas carols, or playing Wiffle ball. Make a toast before dinner starts. Who cares if you’re not the greatest at it? Just don’t let the day go to waste with a single dull moment.
You’ll thank me later.
10. DO NOT forget to hug and say ‘I love you’ to your family when it’s time to go.
—But that’s a given. We hope... It definitely counts as things NOT to do on Christmas!
JAM wishes you a very Merry Christmas! Love you all!