The ultimate December survival guide: How to make it to 2026 in one piece

Sleep well and enough

"Lack of sleep significantly lowers emotional tolerance and increases irritability. When a person is sleep-deprived, the brain’s emotion centers become more reactive, while the prefrontal cortex, which regulates impulses and judgment, functions less effectively," said Santos. Sleepy drivers become dangerous drivers because their brains are too busy trying to stay awake to drive defensively. 

Eat complete and healthy meals

"Many people become irritable or aggressive when hungry," the psychology expert added. The lack of proper and complete nutrition also increases stress hormones, which lowers the brain's ability to manage one's frustration. 

Practice relaxation techniques regularly

Santos suggested learning and mastering techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing (using the diaphragm to take long, deep breaths), grounding (focusing on the five senses), and physiological sigh (two quick inhales through the nose followed by a slow, complete exhale through the mouth), among others. 

"These techniques can help deactivate the 'fight-or-flight' system and activate the 'rest-and-digest' system," he explained. 

Learn to reframe negative thoughts

Using cognitive reframing techniques, an automatic "That driver disrespected me" can switch to "Maybe they didn't see me." An "I can't stand all this traffic" can shift to "I'm still safe."

"This helps a person challenge these [negative] interpretations and produce more realistic, neutral alternatives," said Santos. 

Focus on things you can control; let go of the rest

"Attempting to control the uncontrollable creates frustration and anger," he stressed. By accepting limitations, we reduce our emotional investment in a situation, which, in turn, keeps us from reacting emotionally. 

How to stretch your Christmas bonus

A big part of the collective Christmas cheer every December comes from the fact that it is also the season for year-end bonuses.

Financial advisor Danielle Fanlo gave L!fe some suggestions on how to extend the lifespan of this extra cash. 

Know your priorities

"Before you buy the latest gadget, pause and review your finances to know what should be your priority. If you have debts, it’s always a must to include that in your list of priorities," she said. 

Allow yourself to enjoy a portion of your hard-earned bonus

Paying bills is important, but so is your happiness.

"Create a guilt-free system by also allocating a portion to your wants," suggested Fanlo. "You can do a 50-30-20 system: 50% for needs, 30% for goals, and 20% for wants."

Don’t just think of December; look ahead into January

Instead of binge-spending in December, Fanlo recommended you "review your due dates and check whether you have insurance or membership renewals to pay."

Apply a spending cap

The discipline of sticking to a budget is key when you have much cash and a lot of opportunities to spend it, per the finance expert.

Do a Christmas audit

"Check how much you’ll be spending on gifts or meet-ups with friends. Remember, you don’t always have to buy a gift for everyone. Sometimes, you need to pay yourself first," said Fanlo. 

Viral TikTok dances to practice for office Christmas parties

Are you a new hire? Is your company forcing you to dance at your team's Christmas party?

Laurence Guirit, a digital content creator (@explaurer) with viral dance covers on TikTok, gave five simple dance trends you can try that will make you stand out with your dignity intact.

Soda Pop – Saja Boys

"Its catchy, chart-topping song and easy-to-follow choreography make it a fun, high-energy trend perfect for engaging the audience," he said. 

Last Christmas – Ariana Grande

"It’s an OG classic holiday hit re-imagined by Ariana Grande—instantly festive, widely loved, and sure to set a joyful Christmas vibe that everyone at the party will enjoy," suggested Guirit. 

Opalite – Taylor Swift

"Its upbeat, feel-good sound and popular, easy-to-copy dance steps make it a fun and lively choice that gets everyone moving at a Christmas party," he explained.

APT – Rose ft. Bruno Mars

"I recommend the 'APT' dance trend because its smooth beat, easy choreography, and instantly catchy lyrics make it a fun, stylish number that adds a Gen Z vibe to the Christmas party," he said.

Folded – Kehlani

"Its sultry vibe and easy-to-follow choreography bring a classy, sexy edge to the gathering. It adds depth and variety to the party’s atmosphere," added Guirit. 

Witty comebacks for unsolicited comments at family reunions

The season of giving is, unfortunately, also the season of receiving unsolicited advice and tactless questions from titas and titos during family reunions. Instead of suffering in silence, psychiatrist Kathyrn Tan told L!fe it's okay to reply with wit and humor.

"Witty comebacks would allow us to set the boundary, say our message, and at the same time, maintain that composure of being [the] 'polite' niece or nephew," she said. "Remember, it’s none of their business, so it can be triggering for a whole lot of people. It’s overly personal to ask anyone why they're single, or comment about their body."

You have the choice of simply ignoring the question and pretending you didn't hear it at all. But if you don't want to let it pass, here are some expert-approved examples of replies to those burning questions you can practice. 

When they say: "Uy, tumaba ka ata"

• Soft but firm: "I focus more on my health than the pounds, Tita/Tito."
• Strong and composed, delivered with a smile: "I don't comment on other people's bodies. How about we all practice the same?"
• Funny but hits deep: “Yes, Tita/Tito. My personality and my bank account are growing with my weight. It's all good.”
• Brutally honest: “Let’s not talk about bodies po. Hindi siya nakakagaan ng Christmas spirit.”

When they ask: "Wala ka pang jowa?" or "Bakit single ka pa din?"

• Polite and boundary-setting: “I’m prioritizing peace and stability. Alam niyo naman, quality over timeline.”
• Smart and confident: “I’m building my financial security first. Mas masarap pumasok sa relationship na hindi naghahabol.”
• Funny: “Hindi pa kasi ako ready magtiis.”
• Boss level: "Because I am."

When they say: "Buti pa 'yung pinsan mo, doktor."

• Funny and shows confidence in your skills: "Pero kaya ba niyang [insert your special talent]?"
• Serious and honest: "Iba-iba po ang kakayahan ng tao. Kung puro duktor tayo, sino magluluto ng paborito niyong [insert tita/tito's favorite dish]."
• Sets a firm boundary: "Buti na lang wala po akong pake."
• Puts Tita/Tito gently in their place: "Alam ko po it's not your intention to make me feel bad about my life choices, right?"

If they get persistent:

Be firm but polite: "I don’t mind you asking, but that’s not something I want to explain today.”

Thoughtful and affordable wedding gifts

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Filipinos prefer holding their weddings this month—in 2022, 12.4% of the year's weddings in the country took place in December. On top of everything else you have to spend on this month, this is another thing you have to think of, especially if you and your friends are at the "marrying age."

Wedding planner Rommel Espera gave L!fe a few gift suggestions that can help make both wedded friends and your wallet happy. 

Huggable pillow

"[It] may seem simple, but it’s one of the most comforting gifts you can give. Newlyweds are building a home together, and having soft, cozy pillows adds warmth, relaxation, and a touch of everyday luxury to their space," said Espera.

Lampshade

Thoughtful light fixtures create "a cozy and peaceful atmosphere at home; something every newlywed couple will truly appreciate as they start building their space together," per the wedding planner. A lampshade is "practical, stylish, and contributes to their daily comfort."

The couple's portrait

"[This] is a sentimental keepsake that instantly turns a house into a home. Hanging their favorite photo on the wall celebrates their love story and reminds them of their wedding day every time they see it," she said. 

Sugar-free cakes

"Being healthy is often not on the priority list of newlyweds, especially when they’re busy adjusting to their new routines," she explained. "Giving them a sugar-free cake is a gentle reminder to begin their journey as a healthy couple, enjoying sweetness without the guilt. It’s a thoughtful gift that shows you care not just about the celebration, but also about their long-term well-being."

One sack of rice

"Who wouldn't be thrilled to receive kilos of rice? It’s one of the most practical and appreciated gifts [you can give], especially during the holidays when gatherings, celebrations, and food preparation sessions are non-stop," said Espera. "Rice is a staple in every Filipino home, making this gift both generous and incredibly useful for newly married couples starting their journey together."

Ultimately, keep in mind that this season is meant to provide you with the time and space to take stock of your life and prepare for the coming year. Be intentional with giving yourself the opportunity to do so. Nothing makes a person more generous and patient than having enough time for themselves.