Ultimate Guy’s Guide To Surviving the Holidays

If by some miracle you hadn't noticed the bazillion holiday commercials starting on November 1st and need some official confirmation: the holidays are upon us. Yup, It’s time for fugly sweaters, overeating, questionable gifting, and watching awful Hallmark Channel movies. Ok sure, there is fun ahead, a little low-key family time, home cooking, and excuses to start drinking early in the day. But, surviving the landmine-filled holiday season can be tricky. So, as our gift to you, we’ve got your ultimate guide to surviving the holidays, filled with all our Squatch Tips for how to make the best of it.

Squatch Tip #1: The Best Gifts are Useful Gifts

Gifting is probably one of the most stress-inducing situations during the holiday season. But we're going to endorse switching up how you're thinking about it. Instead of thinking, “What am I going to get them?” focus more on “What would be useful to them?” It’s less about giving “stuff” and more about enjoyment and experiences. Everyone is different and some people value experiences over things, while others love a handy tool or thoughtful item. Things like kitchen gear, a fun getaway at an isolated cabin, a piece of home fitness equipment, a camping pack addition, a cozy WFH robe, you get the idea.

Also, it’s time to fully embrace feeling good about giving a gift card. They get dumped on for not being “thoughtful” but there are definitely thoughtful (and easy) ways to do it. Back to that whole useful idea, it just takes a little thought about what might be useful to the recipient. So, gift cards for things like a bacon of the month subscription, home beer brewing kit, ski/snowboard lift tickets, or a selection of hot sauces. You’re better than just a Starbucks gift card, trust us.

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Finally, when in doubt, give the most useful gift of all: Booze. “I’m disappointed in this gift of free alcohol,” said literally no one ever. You can’t go wrong, but just make sure to do it thoughtfully (sensing a theme here?).

It’s also a great way to support your local shops and small business. You can hit up your local beer store or wine shop and ask for a recommendation based on your price point. Moves like this show a bit more effort than just picking up a bottle of grocery store wine (not that there’s anything wrong with grocery store wine of course). Aaaannd while you’re at it, maybe grab something for yourself too. You’re welcome.

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Squatch Tip #2: How to Ace Meeting The Parents

You’re staring down the barrel of one of the toughest tests a man can face: meeting your S.O’s parents over the holidays. Courageous warriors have fallen to lesser missions, but we know you’re up to it and we’re here to help.

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The key to a successful strategy begins with keeping it simple: be smart and be yourself. But, the best version of yourself. From there, consider the following points as a foolproof guide to success on your quest.

• Dress to impress – We’re not saying rock your best suit here, but definitely come correct. Family gathering dress codes can vary wildly so do your research. The key is to go slightly dressier than everyone else. Not over the top, just sharp. Keep your hair and grooming in check too, you don’t want snide dad jokes about your messy mane or caveman beard over desert.
• Never, ever show up empty handed – A decent bottle of wine or booze is a great place to start (Protip: Pick her brain for her dad’s favorite). Do a little research for something unique and your thoughtfulness will be rewarded.
• Be funny and be humble – Keep it light, avoid awkwardness, and always be complimentary (the food, the decoration, her mom’s hair, all 3). But don’t try too hard, this isn’t the place for your standup routine or bragging about “crushing it at work”.
• In the end, it’s about her – Yup, this is more about her than it is you. If you show them how much you care, you’re going to win the day.