Guess my Scroogy ways left me without a visit from Santa. This year I’m determined to spread some holiday cheer though. With gifts on the way, Christmas cards on the snail mail route (e-greeting people for Christmas is just sad, folks) and a resolve to gain only five pounds this merry and carby season, I have made a cheat sheet on how to survive this season. Whether it’s weathering a Tuesday morning hangover or fitting into that unforgiving Alaia number, here’s some tips on how to be the belle of the ball, minus the baggage.
1. Christmas feasts are notorious for being calorie-laden buffets so take a small plate and get a little of the things you want. Let the conversation sway you away from your food fixation, savor each bite and try to eat slowly. Distract yourself with the conversation and before you know it, you will be full with just a quarter of what you would usually have on a big heaping plate.
2. Eat something before heading out so you don’t jump on the canapés like a sewer rat. A stick of cheese or some apples with peanut butter are good choices.
3. Stick to clear liquor such as vodka or wine as they have the least number of calories. If you intend to party hop, have one drink per party. I know what you’re thinking: Yeah, right.
Hang gliding
We all know about the holidaze – the glassy eyed, hollow-brained victim of Christmas past (meaning the night before). So how do you keep the Christmas spirit (literally) while keeping your job?
1. Eat before you drink. A happy belly absorbs many evils of alcohol, leaving you giddy, not retarded.
2. Work out if you can. I know that sweat does not necessarily remove all the toxins, but working out increases endorphins, which can put your battered body in a better place. Mind over matter, baby.
3. Berocca is the nectar of the gods. While coffee may perk you up, this wonder pill replenishes all the vitamins that may have be mauled during your festivities. Because it’s effervescent, your body absorbs it almost immediately.
1. If you can, have a steam and a facial. Good circulation is what makes us look like cherubs. And believe me, silky hands mashing your face ever so gently really makes a difference and takes away that "thick" feeling that comes with a hangover.
2. After a rough night, pat on a hyper nourishing cream that will make you look like a teenager in the morning. A superb one is Guerlain’s Midnight Secret; it erases all your sins from the night before and plumps skin to a dewy and silky texture. A good eye cream or gel also makes a great difference, a personal favorite is Blanc Expert from Lancome.
3. Use colors from nature to revive your complexion. Forget the avant-garde shades, stick to roses, corals and bronzes to perk up your grayish mug. A good and creamy color stick works miracles in seconds. My secret wand is Du Wop’s Blush stick, its rich color hints of a restful sleep and the aroma that comes from its aromatherapy cap (yup, yup, kid you not!) does a little something to my weary soul. Also, concealer is a must, but if you want a silky glow try Chanel’s Teint Innocence, it conceals without making you look like a Geisha. A sheer but shimmery gloss balances this look. Try to stay away from heavy makeup because it has the tendency to make you look even more tired. Lastly, spritz on a rich and delicious holiday fragrance. It’s makeup for the senses.