10 Colossal Mistakes Illinoisans Make Each Christmas

If you want this year's Christmas celebration to be as holly jolly as possible, don't make any of these common holiday season mistakes.

Christmas Stresses

Now that Christmas is under a week away, the pressure is really on...or maybe it's just me?

My mind is overwhelmed with things I need to do, remember, and buy, and the time to do all the holiday traditions my family holds so dear is dwindling WAY too fast.

I always tell myself "Stop stressing and just enjoy the season", but it's often hard to follow that advice, and before I know it, Christmas is over and I was too busy doing all the things to even enjoy it.

Since we're on the subject of things we shouldn't be doing during the holiday season, let's take a look at the 10 mistakes most Illinoisans make every year at Christmas. (There's still time to adjust our yuletide behavior)

10 Big Mistakes People Make Each Christmas

1. Going over the spending limit.

If your family, friend group, or co-workers set a spending limit for gift buying, don't go over it. No one likes a showoff, especially if they're not on the receiving end of your over-spending arrogance.

2. Being rude to retail workers.

Just because you're stressed and grouchy, don't take it out on retail employees who are just trying to do their job. Remember, a lot of these people were just hired as holiday help, and it's not their fault that the lines at the self-checkout are so long.

3. Drinking too much at your office Christmas party.

Being the life of the party is cool, but being the butt of jokes for several weeks after is not.

4. Telling someone else's child there is no Santa.

I'm not sure why anyone would think it's a good idea to crap all over a huge part of the Christmas magic, but people do it, and it's WAY not cool. (I would punch someone out for breaking my daughters' hearts!)

5. Obvious regifting.

At some point in our lives, we all get a gift we do not like and can't take back, but gifting it to someone else is always a horrible idea, especially if the person who gave it to you finds out. (Joke presents are immune from this rule).

6. Wishing for a white Christmas.

Talking, dreaming, and wishing for snow on Christmas all the time is a surefire way to jinx us all. To those who were wishing for a white Christmas this year, thanks a lot. I hope YOU enjoy the dirty green grass and mild temperatures we've got in store for us this year.

7. Bringing up politics at any holiday party.

Unless you are at a political event, talking about politics at any public event will only lead to fights, and no one should be yelling at loved ones on such a blessed day.

8. Giving Someone an Animal For Christmas

Giving someone a puppy, kitten, bunny, hamster, etc. for Christmas is a bad idea unless it has been discussed with the person or family who will be receiving it previously. You might think your grandchild needs a puppy for Christmas, but if the parents don't agree, that puppy may find itself in a shelter on January 1.

9. Going to a party empty-handed.

If you don't at least offer to bring something to a party you have been invited to, you will look like a freeloading jerk. Be a considerate guest and bring a bottle of wine or some Christmas cookies for the hosts.

10. Surprising your family with a new boyfriend/girlfriend at your Christmas celebration.

Being single at a family gathering always leads to a lot of questions that no one likes to answer, but surprising your family by bringing a new love they had no idea existed will make your mom mad and the event awkward.

Have you already made some of these Christmas mistakes? It's ok. I don't think you'll end up on Santa's naughty list. Be merry and enjoy the holidays anyway!