Welcome to the Season of Sparkle and Silliness
Christmas is a time for magic, mince pies and good memories. It is also a time for noise, queues, family drama and the annual debate about who overcooked the gammon. This guide is for every 55 plus grown up who wants to enjoy the season with a light heart, tongue in cheek plus a mischievous grin. Why not have some fun this festive season, after all You’ve now earned the right to celebrate Christmas your way!
The Joy of Selective Hearing
Selective hearing is a special skill that grows stronger every year and Christmas is the perfect time to use it. Helpful misheard phrases include:
• “Can you peel potatoes” becomes “Yes please I will have another biscuit.”
• “Are you hosting next year” becomes “What a lovely tree.
Selective hearing protects both your peace and your pudding.
Re-Gifting Like a Festive Professional
At 55 plus, you probably have a drawer filled with unwanted gifts and have therefore reached expert level in re-gifting. If not, here are some top tips:
• Remove the original tag.
• Add pretty paper and a confident smile.
• Just remember to never re-gift within the same family circle. You could land up in a whole heap of trouble!
• The benefit of re-gifting – you save a ton of money and cupboard space. A true festive win.
Dodging the Dishes with Style
Apart from this being an integral part of handing over the baton to the younger generation, dodging the dishes is a key part of the Christmas survival guide for 55 plus adults. Try these well tested moves:
• Announce that you need a quick lie down.
• Offer to make the coffee and tea, but do it very slowly.
• Suddenly remember something important in the garage.
• Remember that people who move the slowest never get picked for kitchen duty.
Claim the Comfiest Chair
It’s about time. You have survived many Christmas seasons and you deserve the best seat in the house. Grandchildren can sit on cushions. Guests can enjoy dining chairs. The soft armchair is yours and you never apologise for it.
Fun, Love and Clever Tricks with the Grandchildren
Remember – this is strategy, not competition.
• Whisper, “Don’t tell your parents I gave you this extra mince pie.” Their parents will hear about it within minutes. You score instant “cool grandparent” points without actually breaking any rules.
• Teach them a game you always win.
• Give them noisy toys and send them home before the batteries run out.
Everyone has fun and you remain the festive champion.
The Power of the Festive Nap
For an uninterrupted festive nap, explain to your grandchildren the benefits of the post-lunch “Reindeer Resting Hour”. Explain that reindeer must have a nap after a big meal in order to regain magical powers. And children who nap could gain that “extra sparkle”. Who knows, 40 minutes of peaceful bliss could be yours.
Share Your Old School Christmas Wisdom
Old school Christmas charm is trending again and you already know how to do it. You’ve been down this road and know the real magic tricks. Show your grandchildren how to:
• Make paper chains that never fall apart.
• Bake biscuits that disappear fast.
• Create decorations without a craft shop.
Treat Yourself to a Gift You Actually Want
This is the season of giving, and that includes gifting the present you really want to yourself. Why not wrap it, open it, and look surprised and joyful. After all, you deserve it, you’ve earned it!
The Final Naughty but Nice Thought
The beauty of being 55+ is that you can set the tone and the pace. You choose the traditions that make you smile. Christmas is a time of joy and fun. Laugh at the chaos. Take the view that you are the matriarch or patriarch and it’s your time to hand over the baton and take the comfy seat. Celebrate in a way that feels good for you. The Christmas survival guide for 55 plus grown ups is simple. Enjoy yourself. You’ve Earned It!
