I love the holidays. Between the beautiful decorations and delicious treats, it’s a wonderful time of the year. And London is also absolutely magical in December when it’s covered in twinkling lights and with a slight chill in the air.

However, the holidays can also be hell on someone as Type A as I am. I like order and routine and despise the chaos of Black Friday shopping (in-store) and the mad dash to board planes, trains and automobiles. But we have to take the good with the bad, don’t we?

To help you prepare for the weeks ahead, today I’m sharing some of the tips and buys that get through this hectic season and beyond.

• Set boundaries. Whether you have lots of invitations coming in or are the one traveling a long way, don’t be afraid to say “no” to keep yourself sane and healthy.

• Give your mind some help. All of those to-do lists can wreak havoc on your sleep. These CBD drops are one of my go-to ways to calm a racing mind:

oto_wellbeing

A post shared by @oto_wellbeing

• Plan for the unexpected. People will get sick, packages will get lost in the mail and flights will get canceled, so be prepared to be flexible and roll with it.

• Make a budget. It’s fun to buy gifts, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of eating. Make a budget that covers everyone without overextending your funds.

• Stay active. Sticking to your normal fitness routine as much as possible will help your digestive system, promote better sleep and relieve stress.

• Treat yourself. I’m a big believer in adding something to the cart for yourself — if you can swing it, why not pick up a gorgeous robe for post-feast lounging:

natori

A post shared by @natori

• Don’t be afraid to indulge a little. This is the time of year to enjoy all of the yummy things that bring back fond memories or help you make new ones.

• Unplug as much as possible. If you’re going to be with family or friends, try to turn away from screens and focus on catching up.

• Give yourself some grace. If it all becomes too much for any reason, be kind to yourself and do what you need to bring yourself some peace.

• Get enough rest. In between all of the parties and traveling, make sure to sleep — no one wants to ring in the new year sick on the sofa, and a great pillow is key:

tempur_uk

A post shared by @tempur_uk

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MIDDI is a weekly newsletter highlighting the best mid-priced beauty, fashion and home buys written by a millennial with a (somewhat under control) shopping problem. Let me know what you’re shopping for in the comments or send me a message