By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
November 26, 2004
Thanksgiving is over. You’d think we’d be relieved the big day is past us, but some of us can’t get beyond the fact it’s just that much closer now to Hanukkah and Christmas.
OK. Take a deep breath and relax. We’ll get through this together.
“In today’s world we’re all running around all the time, so it’s difficult for many people to slow down at all,” says Kathleen Galvin, a Northwestern University professor who specializes in family communications. “There are people for whom the holidays heighten their sense of perfectionism. They put everything away after the last guest has left no matter how late it is. One way of relieving that sense of holiday dread is by giving yourself permission to do some of that stuff later. Enjoy your day off. Holidays aren’t supposed to be a tortuous affair.”
Did you hear that? An expert has just told us it’s OK to leave the dirty dishes in the sink for a while. Don’t worry about making turkey meatloaf just yet. And for goodness sake, let yourself cocoon at home today if you’re exhausted and just need a day to decompress.
In fact, revel in your day off. Think about all us poor suckers who are at work today. We had to cram ourselves back into suitable work clothes. You? Forget about the ounce (or pound) you may have gained eating seconds last night.
Hop into your favorite pair of fat pants. Trust us — it’ll be delightful not feeling a nagging tightness around your waistband.
“This is the time of year when it’s not that great being Type A,” says Kevin McGayan, a Chicago-based party planner who also is a self-proclaimed perfectionist. “I worry about everything. Every year I drive myself crazy trying to hit all the stores before it gets too crowded and every year I end up stressed out and hating to fight the crowd for a ‘bargain.’ How much of a bargain is it really if it’s going to drive you crazy? This year, I’ve vowed to just stay at home and eat leftovers and deal with shopping in December.”
Bear in mind that December is just five days away. So savor those moments, come up with a game plan and enjoy these holidays. But for now, grab a bag of chestnuts and roast them on an open fire (or your stove).
You deserve it.
Tips on taking it easy, if you must be out and about this weekend
It’s Friday. And despite all your promises to have a low-key post-Thanksgiving day this year, you’re determined to get out and enjoy some of the festivities.
This is not a problem. Just remember — pace yourself. Here’s our advice:
* Wear comfortable shoes. We’re not kidding. A pair of tight shoes will end an outing faster than anything.
* And you know those fat pants we talked about in the story above? Put them on. There’s no sense in feeling guilty about having enjoyed a good meal on Thanksgiving. (That can wait till your New Year’s resolution, right?)
* If you’re going shopping, layer your clothes ’cause even though it may be cold outside, it’ll probably be quite warm inside the stores. If you’re driving and won’t have to be outside for long, leave your big winter coat in the car and wear a vest or hoodie over your sweater.
* Don’t force yourself to buy every holiday gift today. You won’t be able to do it.
* Treat yourself to that special something you want. It’s always easier dealing with a crowd when you know you’re going home with something you covet.
* Take time for a snack, whether it’s a soda from the vending machine or high tea at your favorite hotel.
* You also may be able to treat yourself to a minifacial or a manicure. Walk-ins aren’t always accepted, but you never know who canceled at the last minute, so give it a shot. No appointments left? No biggie. Turn on some classical music and give yourself a manicure at home. Try a color you’ve never used.
* This is also the perfect time to take a day trip. We’re not talking Wisconsin or Indiana, but rather the suburbs. That’s right — the ‘burbs. Turnabout is fair play. After all, suburbanites will be coming downtown in droves to shop along Michigan Avenue and visit State Street. Try heading to quaint Geneva in the western suburbs — the location for Tom Hanks’ “Road to Perdition” — to enjoy its boutiques and hospitality.
* And if you’re hankering for a bit of exercise, visit the zoo or take a leisurely stroll through your favorite park or forest preserve. It’ll be a little nippy out, but the upshot is there won’t be any bugs nipping at your ankles.
“Whatever you do, don’t beat yourself up about having done the wrong thing,” says Northwestern University professor Kathleen Galvin. “Everyone deserves at least one day where they do what they want.”
