In the wise words of Princess Diana, "Family is the most important thing in the world". This holds true for many reasons. Family is the rock of the world, the support system that holds strong and endures countless hardships and tragedies. Therefore, is it anything but appropriate to handle such occasions as holiday dinners with precision and care? 

     I'm no psychic, but I certainly know what you're thinking. The mere thought of cooking prep, house keeping, and the dreaded "next-morning cleanup" can definitely scare off even the most hospitable of individuals. However, all it takes one year is for that one menacing relative to point out that it is, indeed, your turn to hold next year's gathering. Yes, we all run the risk, and I'm here to help you embrace such terrifying situations, instead of avoid them. So, Carpe Diem ladies and gentlemen, for we only live once. 

1) Rent, Don't Wash 


      We've all been there. You know, the feeling of your jaw tensing more with each dirty plate and emptied wine glass? The unavoidable case of twitches and shivers as the mountain of dishes ascends to an unfathomable height. Well, here is the solution amigo. One which can prove to be the saviour of all dinner parties far and wide, but few people are aware of. Sure, we are all acquainted with the concept of rental trucks and party venues, but what about party utensils and dinnerware? What if I said that with the push of 10 numbers on your home phone, you could have all of the above listed, AND even that extra table needed to comfortably seat all of your guests (and their portions in some cases). Dish and appliance rental companies are a for-sure party pleaser for both the visitor and the host, as companies do not require the dishes to be washed upon return, and everything used is simply thrown in a bin. 

2) Limit Pre-Meal Appetizers 

     Being an aspiring journalist within my senior year, there is no shortage of questions regarding both my writing styles, interests, and as always, how do you write essays so easily? However, there is where I branch off from others' perceptions. Yes, writing is a gift I am honoured to possess a natural talent for, but by NO means would I ever call such a skill "easy". Pen is to writer as a disk is to cook. No skill is more valuable than the other, as each is required to sustain society's great chain of being (pardon my Elizabethan). Though, one thing I have become familiar with hearing from friends and fellow students is this... How do I make it work? Make what work, you may ask? How can even the most journalistically oblivious individual create a masterpiece on paper? 

     Simple. 

     Though it may seem to many of you that writing may as well be the translation of hieroglyphics, it is, in fact, more than possible to configure a quality piece of work merely by tuning in with just one thing... yourself. Every self-respecting journalist in the industry will tell you that in order to develop a well-sought out product, it is key that you discover what inspires you. Writing without inspiration, I find, is much like a permanent brain fart. Regardless of how much one may attempt to shake it, the mental block stands tall upon the railway of your train of thought. Inspiration is the key word to remember while writing, whether it be a research paper or Facts and Arguments essay on the Globe and Mail. Inspiration is the fire beneath the writer's feet. It's the spark within the mind that fuels the imagination. So next question is, how exactly, can you get yourself some of this magic stuff I'm calling inspiration? 

     Anywhere. 

     What drives you as an individual? Inspiration is as easy to find as dust. Look anywhere and everywhere. Inspiration can be found in what interests you. What is your niche? A prime example would be myself. An overwhelming majority of my thoughts and story plots are spontaneously generated when i'm exposed to rural scenery. Thick expanses of wooded areas at dusk practically bleeds the theme of mystery and horror. This scene will surely surface the theme of which best pertains to yourself. Your brain will then subsequently and  inevitably relate this theme(s) to a personal experience, opening you up to an array of mental estuaries which may all serve as potential topics for whatever you may be producing. 

     it is essential to work on expanding your creative repertoire. Never focus on just one or two emotions when writing. Constantly sticking to sorrow and unhappy endings will quickly begin to generate a negative emotional response from both the reader and you as the author. Develop a broad journalistic perspective, or in other words, don't be afraid to mix it up. If you fall under the category of a personal blogger, make a conscious effort to avoid a thematic pattern in your posts. Many bloggers write solely about their daily encounters and derive a deeper meaning on relatively simple events. If one day is.... one to forget shall we say, write about it, vent and let it go. Written expression is by far the most effective form of releasing energy and raw emotion. However, make sure that this trend does not continue. Constantly striving to find the positive in the midst of personal darkness can both improve your journalistic appeal and your personal view of your surroundings. 

     Shhhhhhh! Perhaps the most crucial element of them all. Always ensure that while writing, you are free of distraction. J.K Rowling wrote her inaugural Potter novel in a coffee shop. This served as a healthy example of both where she discovered her inspiration and how she was able to maintain steady concentration. I mean, come on. Who ever heard of a scholar studying with the school choir? 

      Another turn of the clock marks the end to yet another memorable, tummy turning, belt bursting Christmas day. The archetypal, signature pair of tacky socks from the notorious Aunt Sue have long-since been folded an tucked away. Black garbage bags seemingly tearing at the seams from copious amounts of colourful wrapping paper. The succulent aroma of crisp potatoes and golden-skinned turkey still potent within our homes. A bitter sweet transition to say the least, as Christmas eve has once again turned into the reality that this much-anticipated day is a daunting 364 sleeps away. However, as i've come to terms with in recent years, the holiday season does by no means end at midnight on Christmas. One may go as far as to say that Christmas day serves as the calm before the storm, the storm that is boxing day. 
     The 26th of December. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we have in fact, survived the end of the world. But don't exhale just yet, as getting caught in the violently determined mall crowds can prove to be as equally lethal. A death wish, the art of Boxing day shopping is. An art refined by only the fittest, as our great Charles Darwin would say. But how does one exactly adapt to the mall environment successfully over the competition? 

Be Prepared: Plan Ahead


Travelling to the mall blindly is much like playing game seven on an empty stomach. The two go together as well as Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries. Always ensure that you do your research online. We're all tech-savy, so no excuses young shopper! Who ever knew burning a hole in our already dwindling pockets required so much thought! Sign up on your preferred store websites to receive emails concerning promos and upcoming specials. This is a great way to get the heads up prior to Boxing day, as many pages offer print out coupon vouchers. Be sure to stay on the lookout for ads via postage also, as many seemingly junk flyers may turn out to be a pleasant surprise. 

Buddy System


Tackling fisty mall hoards is no easy job, and attempting to do so without a committed partner is ineffective for two reasons.

1) 4 eyes are better than 2 


Many shopping centres are deceivingly large, with shops hiding in every corner imaginable. Therefore, shopping with a soldier is vital to optimizing your chances of spotting irresistible deals. 

2) The decision-maker 


Bright, obnoxious advertisements and large numbers accompanied with percentage symbols have a tendency to lure the customer into purchasing items without thinking it over beforehand. Tagging along a trusted friend can optimize the quality of your purchases and minimize the swipes on that credit card of yours. Always have a second party present to give you an honest yes or no to serve as your outer-body conscience for the day. 

Wait on the Returns