December 9, 2022 | CULTURE | By Carlee Castillo
The holidays are a time that can bring people together. Seemingly full of festive functions, the season provides plenty of opportunities for celebration and community. However, with the abundance of activities, it’s easy for anxiety to overcome excitement. If you’re looking to indulge in some stress-free holiday fun of your own, here’s how to host an easy holiday party…
- Pick a responsible host/hosts. (For example, Megan Moen and Carlee Castillo)
- Send invitations early. The holiday season is a busy time for everyone. To limit stress, allow your guests enough time to ensure that they can attend and allow yourself enough time to prepare. As celebrity event planner based in Los Angeles and New York City Mindy Weiss says, it’s important to provide yourself with enough time to organize details so you don’t feel overworked on the day of an event.
- Recycle decorations. Stanford University has found that Americans throw away 25 percent more trash from Thanksgiving to New Year’s than any other time of year. In all, this extra waste amounts to about 25 million tons of garbage, one million extra tons a week. Rather than purchasing new decorations, utilize materials you already own, such as wine bottles as candle holders or painted pinecones for ornaments.
- Shop local for supplies. If you do find yourself in need of a few embellishments or gifts, shop locally. Old Colorado City offers a multitude of unique boutiques full of individualized treasures. Check out Maggie M Boutique for deliciously scented gifts or Sweetwater Flower Market for elaborately festive floral arrangements.
- Cook a traditional meal with friends. The holidays are a wonderful time to make your favorite traditional dish or explore new ones. My family’s personal favorite traditional Christmas meal is tamales, whereas student Sydney Glasser of UCCS finds nostalgic joy during Hanukkah in matzo ball soup.
- Curate a festive playlist. Music is essential to creating memories and a fun, festive environment. Here are some of my favorite songs to enjoy during the holiday season…
- “I’ll be Home for Christmas”- Kacey Musgraves and Lana Del Rey
- “Christmas Tree Farm”- Taylor Swift
- “What Christmas Means to Me”- Stevie Wonder
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”- Phoebe Bridgers
- “Silver Bells”- Quinnie