User:Armadealyo/sandbox

= NoStresstivus =

NoStresstivus is an annual U.S. holiday celebrated on the second Saturday of each December. There is uncertainty as to the origin of the annual holiday, but it is thought to have evolved as a rejection of the angst associated with the November through New Year’s holiday season. NoStresstivus focuses on avoiding the stress of the holidays, and encourages celebrating in ways that are non-traditional, easy and affordable.

Traditions
The holiday may be celebrated with friends and family, but unlike other holidays this is not an obligation. Travel is considered by many an important part of the tradition. Some utilize the day to meet their family holiday obligations early - and allowing these individuals to stay home on high stress and expensive travel times like Christmas Day. Others use the day to travel for fun. Because it is traditionally a less traveled day, people save money on travel and take advantage of shorter lines at popular places like theme parks, ski resorts and big Vegas shows. The most notable tradition for celebrating Nostresstivus is the lighting of tangled ball of holiday lights. This tradition started with the stress surrounding the traditional holiday décor whereby individuals would have strings of lights that were so entangled that they were discarded. The celebration begins when the lights are placed it the center of the dining room table and all guests assemble around to see it. The ceremony begins when the guest of honor plugs in and lights up the messy pile of lights. Once lit, guests take a drink of their choice, simultaneously hold the drink up and encircle their individual heads hoping not to spill a drop. Once encircled the group chants NOSTRESSTIVUS three times and drinks the entirely of the beverage serving. Although most conduct this ceremony on NoStresstivus Day, some kick off the holiday the eve before.

Customs
Although there are many who celebrate the holiday differently, there are several key customs that most have adopted:
 * Meals: Unlike the traditional season, there are no big home cooked meals. If you must stay at home you must order in. Ordering in pizza is a popular selection for many.
 * Apparel: Comfortable attire is required. Some popular clothing options include:
 * Headwear: Trapper Hat, Ball Cap, Beanie. This is traditionally because people avoid styling their hair on this day.
 * Shirts: Think Hawaiian shirts – they epitomize stress-free and at the same time if you don’t have time for laundry they hide the stains.
 * Footwear: Sandals/flip flops is the most popular option. A colder weather option would include wearing socks with sandals. NOTE: On any other day this look may be frowned upon, and dress shoes, like high heels, are considered a stressful shoe and are generally avoided.
 * Gifts: Gift giving is not traditional for NoStresstivus. Some have felt an obligation to be thoughtful and have taken a screen shot of what they would have given the person if they had bought them something.
 * Screen time: Adults Generally refrain from screens – decreasing stress of email and work. However, kids are traditionally entitled to unlimited screen time (this is one of the most popular traditions for the children).
 * Decorations: As this is a celebration that eliminates stress, no décor is required with one exception – the tangled ball of holiday lights. This tradition started as people started to decorate for the holidays and inevitably had at least one string of lights that was so tangled they gave up. This ball of lights and the lighting thereof are a key tradition for the holiday.
 * Activities: NoStresstivus celebrators commonly use the holiday to do the things that they normally wouldn’t have the time to do. These activities include binge-watching the hottest new shows, taking a nap, or going to a spa and getting a massage. Others travel during this time.
 * Decorations: As this is a celebration that eliminates stress, no décor is required with one exception – the tangled ball of holiday lights. This tradition began when people started to decorate for the holidays and inevitably had at least one string of lights that was so tangled they gave up. This ball of lights and the lighting thereof are a key tradition for the holiday.
 * Music: Most steer away from the typical sounds of the season.  Instead, most participants listen to their personal favorites that are no stress including: The entire Jimmy Buffet catalog, Survivor “Eye of the Tiger”, The Bee Gees “Staying Alive”, and every song about sitting on the beach, not having a care in the world.
 * Kids: Kids love celebrating NoStresstivus. They get to take time off school, eat what they want (even if it means ice cream for every meal) and watch as much TV as they wish. This is a wonderful time for kids and parents to spend together, relaxing and enjoying one another’s company.