10 Ways to Actually Enjoy the Holidays

The holidays are crazy, right? You’re caught up in a frantic race to make everything special— the perfect gifts, the perfect tree, the perfect cookies. Well, nothing has to be perfect. The holidays are actually better when they’re not. Here are 10 ways to lean into the mess, ditch the pressure, and enjoy the season.

Bake something ugly.

Instagram-worthy bakes are overrated. Make something that you can call “The Christmas Blob.” If you have kids, let them go wild with the sprinkles. You can complain about the mess later.

Ditch the mall for a bar.

Parking lots in December? No thanks. Skip it and head to a happy hour. Seattle bars like Rob Roy and Christmas Dive Bar are pouring cocktails that make you feel as warm and fuzzy as Santa’s red velvet suit. Toast to not getting into a fender bender while fighting for a spot at U-Village.

Embrace the rain.

The drizzle isn’t going anywhere, so you might as well pretend it’s charming. Slap on some boots and hit the trails at Carkeek or Discovery Park. Sure, you’ll probably get soaked, but you’ll also feel like the brooding hero of a moody music video.

Go all-in on the lights.

Holiday lights are basically therapy without the co-pay. String them up around your house. Walk Candy Cane Lane, or head to WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo. Wear your coziest scarf, bring a thermos of spiked cider, and let the sparkly magic do its thing. You can pretend it’s 2006 and you’re shooting your own “bokeh” holiday photos.

Watch something ridiculous.

For me, it’s holiday rom-com movies. Every year, my husband and I pick one — something involving a big-city lawyer who moves to a small town to save a Christmas tree farm and falls in love with the local handyman/former pop star/single dad. The kids are asleep, there’s definitely alcohol involved, and it’s just us, cuddled up on the couch. It’s like Mystery Science Theater 3000, but with two middle-aged parents who think they’re much funnier than they actually are. This year, we’re going to watch the one about the hunky snowman who becomes a human man after a lonely widow wraps her magic scarf around him.

Hit a museum.

Take a break at the Burke or MoPOP for a couple hours. No wrapping paper, no deviled eggs, just a quiet visit with dinosaur bones or rock memorabilia to recalibrate your brain.

Caroling isn’t mandatory, but finding good Christmas music is.

The holidays are a lot more fun when the soundtrack is something you like. For me, it’s Lou Rawls’ Merry Christmas Baby. The moment those smooth, jazzy first notes hit the speaker, the season officially starts. Whether you’re into soul, Sinatra, or “All I Want for Christmas Is You” on repeat, find your sweet spot, turn it up, and let it carry you through the chaos.

Volunteer (but don’t make it weird).

The holidays are busy, but giving back doesn’t need to be a whole production. Pick a cause, sign up, and show up. Just lend a hand, and let that be enough.

Give a thoughtful gift.

Seattle loves a zero-waste moment, so go for experiences. A Discover Pass, tickets to the symphony, or a cooking class you can do with the recipient are all good options. Or, write a heartfelt letter — people still cry over those, you know.

Do absolutely nothing.

This is your permission slip to skip the work party and quit looking for the Scotch tape. Throw on sweatpants, put your feet up, and stare at your tree with a cup of whatever’s closest. This silly, quiet, messy little moment is all we’ve got. So, sit with it. Take it all in.