This holiday season comes with a lot of joy, gratitude, presents, food, merriment, and… unasked-for comments from relatives.

This seems to be a universal thing; all around the globe, families gather to share a meal and reconnect, all while smoothly directing nosy comments at the younger generation.

The comments start when you’re about 17 years old and they won’t stop coming until you graduate university.

Wait, no… until you get married.

Well, maybe until you have kids.

Actually, I think the safest bet is that they won’t stop coming until your kids are old enough to have the comments redirected to them.

Here’s a list of comments you can look forward to receiving during this joyful and merry season, with a few suggested comebacks you can fire back!

1. Wow, you’ve gained weight!

Oh, gee. I really had no idea. Thanks for making the effort to point it out even though no one, specifically I, asked you about your opinion!

Best response: “Well, ouch.”

Make your hurt feelings known with a direct statement that shows how rude their comment was without getting into a long discussion over it. Simple and effective!

2. So, are you seeing anyone right now?

Um. Yeah. Netflix.

Best response: “I’m just focusing on myself, my studies, and my friends right now. If I happen to meet someone along the way, then great!”

Then change the subject.

3. Sometimes, I worry you forgot about us! You haven’t been visiting at all.

Well yeah… to avoid these questions.

Best response: “I’ve just been really busy with work/exams and projects. I had been meaning to visit, though.”

Sometimes, telling a white lie is necessary.

4. You know I heard [x]’s kid got married. Good for them! When are you going to delight us with such good news?

Best response: “When I do, you’ll be the first one to hear about it!”

Yeah, right.

5. Hopefully, next year, you’ll be introducing us to your partner!

Best response: “Fingers crossed.”

You know, [x]’s daughter landed a job in Dubai. She’s making tons of money and she’s really happy! I hope we’ll get to say that about you, someday.

Best response: “You already can. I love my job!”

Then, ask them about themselves and how they’re doing.

You got this.

And my final piece of advice is, focus on the food.

They say it’s the happiest time of the year, but why does it feel like the laziest?

Get out of your bed and stop scrolling through your social media feed for hours. The online world will definitely not put you in the jolly season. So step out and look outside! Let’s relive together the Christmas spirit that we have long forgotten!

1. Go to mall or Christmas markets

Because baby it’s cold outside.

There is nothing more beautiful than malls’ decorations for this festivities. Malls usually put a lot of effort into illustrating their best Christmas spirit. They all compete when it comes to the most beautiful decoration so why not take advantage of that to indulge in the spirit?

They all have their own Christmas schedules. So make sure to check them out to enter their Christmas worlds especially if you want to go shopping!

2. Organize a dinner/party with a cool theme

Christmas is around the corner which means it is family time. This tradition never gets old. The 24^th and 25^th are sacred for Christmas family lunches and dinners. But how about you create your own tradition by hosting your own get-together dinner/party? You do not have to spend a lot. The real job here is about the theme of the party – a theme that will make all the difference. You can think of a dress-code theme: all red, different Santa versions, and may the best win, Disco-Santa with the red boas, a Secret Santa game, etc.

3. Put Christmas carols in the house at all times

Keep them on at all times at home. Having a Christmas playlist playing all day long will make your house look like Santa’s home.

4. Watch Christmas movies

Yes, a Christmas movie marathon. If you have some holiday favorites, make sure to watch them, either alone or with your friends/family. Some examples to help you out: “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Story”. There’s always a good story to learn from a Christmas movie. (Any other suggestion you would like to add?)

5. Participate in the decoration traditions: don’t wait for it to be set

We all got used to coming back home and finding the Christmas tree setup all done. A big thank you to whomever did it ofc but hey, remember the old days when you used to wake up early to set up the tree yourself? These are the moments that actually mark the Christmas season more than ever.

6. Volunteer. It’s what Christmas is all about

Say no more.
Reach out to someone who is lonely in this vacation, sick, in need, hungry, tortured… This is where the real essence of Christmas lies.

Your Lucky to be Young card will definitely make this season jollier! Use it during December and get special discounts at selected stores.

7. Write a letter to Santa

Santa who? Santa you!

Be a little kid and do what little kids do. Write Santa a letter. List down your personal goals and resolutions for the next year – be your own Santa. Santa is a reminder that wishes do come true and now it’s the time for you to make that bucket list of yours come true.

What about you?

How do you keep your Christmas spirit alive?