You know those moments throughout the most wonderful time of the year that do not seem wonderful at all? The tree has been flipped over by the cat, the stockings burst into flames from the DIY coal, and cookies taste like sawdust, so now Santa will probably ignore your chimney for next door’s. Okay, mildly exaggerating here. But there are some big mistakes people make during Christmas that can be avoided.

4 Biggest shopping and gifting mistakes

Remember when Christmas was about generosity and family? Yeah, I know it is a challenge to think that far back. And that is by far the saddest mistake everyone seems to make on the holidays.

Do not buy gifts “just because.” Do not pick up that soap set or those socks “just because they could be a good gift” for someone. How thoughtless is that? Instead give gifts people actually remember or something that they can use. These kinds of gifts do not have to be big or expensive. For example, if your aunt said she needed a new ballpoint pen, do not give her orthotic slippers – give her a pen. Do not give your kids their entire wish list. Put down that sparkly new video game system and back away. Consider this: why not give your kids a real gift, like a memorable family vacation or a huge family gathering? How often do we do that anymore? Stop giving your children material belongings that they will outgrow in 5 months, and start fostering in them the true meaning of the holidays. Do not forget about the beauty of handmade gifts. Sure, making the cards and building everything from scratch might seem like a waste of time. But it truly is the thought that counts. When playing Santa and the Parent simultaneously, do not use the same wrapping paper for the gifts. Not unless you want to be appalled by the deductive reasoning skills your kid(s) already have.

Read also – 10 Festive and Fun Christmas Gifts

3 Biggest party mistakes

Going to a party or hosting one at home? Avoid these common issues that put a damper on the festive spirit.

Watch your cups and champagne flutes. Whether you are at the office or merely trying to take the edge off, just remember the image you are imprinting on the minds of all those around you. You might not remember what went down after that fifth shot of tequila, but your coworkers might. Do dress for the occasion. It is the only time you can use that ugly sweater, after all. In terms of building a playlist, be careful with what you pick. Not everyone wants to hear Justin Bieber belt out Silent Night. Keep to the original classics, because you know they are good.Avoid the novelty songs that people get tired of after hearing bajillion times (I am looking at you, Rudolph). Try I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, the Gayla Peevey version, to throw the crowd for a loop. And please, for the love of humanity, do not include “Santa Baby.”

5 Biggest decorating mistakes

Tired of turning your house into a horde of Christmas clutter? Then avoid doing the following:

Putting out ALL the snow globes. Do not cover everything in Santa figurines and holly. Guests would like to put their drink down. Take into consideration the age groups and animals. Cats will reduce shiny things to dust. Children might pull down ornaments. And the dog may decide to true on the wooden reindeer statue. Not making your own decorations with the kids. Seriously it is a chance to make a tradition, and you are passing it by for store-bought baubles. Overloading the front lawn with inflatables. It is “Winter Wonderland,” not “Winter Circus.”

Read also – 5 Tips for Women Surviving Christmas with the In-Laws

What are the biggest Christmas mistakes you are guilty of making? So now that we have that out of the way, remember to have fun, relax, and enjoy the holidays with family and friends. A very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!