99 Ways to Survive The Holidays: Part One

Let's face it, the holidays while mostly filled with good cheer, tasty food and the closeness of family and friends, can also be a bit stressful.

And during those panic-induced moments when you can't figure out whether that special someone would like their gift in black or blue, or when you're wondering why your favorite holiday sweater looks tighter around the midsection, take a breather and remember life will be back to normal once December closes its doors.

Whenever I'm feeling a little stressed over the holidays, I always look to a greeting card my aunt sent me a few years ago that I keep tucked away until December rolls around each year. It's titled "99 Ways to Survive the Holidays" -- it never fails to give me a few laughs and reminds me to put things into perspective when I'm ready to chuck a snowglobe out the window.

Here's the first 20 tips to that list ... with a little Patch twist here and there of course! 

99 WAYS TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS: PART ONE 

1. Avoid the mall (unless it's called !)
2. Wear elastic waistbands
3. Meditate
4. Charge it
5. Hire help
6. Light a candle
7. Get a new family (but don't forget to send a Christmas card to your old one!)
8. Guzzle eggnog
9. Turn off the radio
10. Order in
11. Practice aromatherapy
12. Use paper plates
13. Break a resolution
14. Sleep in
15. Pray
16. Kiss under mistletoe
17. Swallow aspirin
18. Hide out
19. Eat chocolate
20. Take a deep breath

Stayed tuned for Part Two of this list, which will be published in the coming days!