Surviving the holidays

The summer holidays are a time for family, friends and festivities. But it can be a real challenge keeping out the frantic. And keeping in the fun. To help you stay stress-free, we've put together a few tips to ensure you're in the best state of mind to enjoy the silly season. 

Playing games with friends and family is a great way to keep everyone entertained and make memories.

• Kick things off with a power playlist to get everyone in the holiday mood. Mash-up classic carols with your favourite jams. Dance breaks are a must. Nothing lifts the spirits like a spontaneous living room dance party.
• Turn your Secret Santa into a scavenger hunt challenge. Create a trail of tasks to complete in exchange for clues that lead to the jackpot of prezzies.
• Host a holiday-themed movie marathon. Up the ante with a trivia quiz to see how much everyone's remembered. Don't forget the popcorn.
• Get competitive with your favourite holiday treats. A holiday bake-off with family or friends means more yum. Everyone votes on the best yum, and the winner gets bragging rights. Until next year.
• Toast to the season together, no matter the distance. If you can't be with loved ones, set up a virtual holiday party online.

Holidays are all hustle and bustle. But remember to treat yourself to relaxation and care.

• Make self-care the theme for your stocking gifts. Fill them with goodies like face masks and bath bombs. Or make personalised vouchers for your loved ones. Things like doing all the chores for a week or an hour of quiet time.
• Create a gratitude garland by writing down things you're thankful for on strips of paper and linking them together. It's a simple way to decorate your space with positive thoughts and spread the joy.
• Unplug from technology to recharge. Set time aside for reading a book, taking a walk, or simply enjoying a little peace and quiet.

Tinsel, wreaths and stockings add to Christmas cheer. But decorations used just once and thrown out can create a lot of waste. Go eco this year. It’s more fun and cost-effective.

• Get crafty. Making your own decorations from upcycled materials is budget-friendly, and your decorations will be more personal.
• Swap decorations with friends. Make it an annual tradition with your nearest and dearest. Each year, you'll have new decorations to look forward to. 
• Choose wrapping paper and ribbons made from recycled materials. Unwrapping presents carefully means you can reuse the paper again next year. That's a wrap!

The silly season can be, well, silly. So, it’s worth taking the time to be a bit more careful.

• Make it fairy. Not fiery. Fairy lights add a twinkly touch but are also a fire risk. Make sure to switch off decorative lights at the wall before heading out or going to bed. 
• Shhhhh... keep presents secret. It's exciting to see gifts piling up under the Christmas tree, but your display may attract burglars who could pinch your prezzies. Make your gifts a surprise by keeping them out of sight and reduce the risk of theft. 
• Mind your fur fam. Holiday festivities can stress pets out. Especially fireworks. Create a safe space for your furry friends to help them feel secure and reduce their anxiety during celebrations. 

Avoid any bumps in the road and add State Roadside Rescue to your car cover. We'll have your back while you're out on the road. To get your car road-ready, check the:

• Oil level
• Tyre pressure
• Tyre tread
• Headlights
• Window washer
• Indicators