12 Festive DIYs to Celebrate Christmas in July

1. Choose your battles ahead of time.

You're not going to change everyone's opinion about all of the things over the course of a meal and a football game. You might want to show up ready for a duel of words with your Facebook-meme-king cousin, but that's just going to put your opinionated family member on the offensive from the moment you walk in. Decide ahead of time if there's one issue that you really cannot keep your mouth shut about if it comes up, and have two or three talking points ready that clarify your position on that topic. If your hot button does get pushed, your talking points will help you keep from making things personal.

2. Confer with the host.

If you feel comfortable with the person that's organizing or hosting Thanksgiving, speak to him or her in advance about how you can be on Team Keep the Peace. Most people aren't keen on a political brouhaha breaking out around their dinner table, so they'll probably be relieved to hear that you're on board and willing to help make the day go smoothly for everyone. Brainstorm some ideas about seating arrangements or wholesome activities to fill the idle family time that can lead to trading barbs.

3. Make it a game.

Caitlin Bergstein, a Boston-based matchmaker and relationship expert for Three Day Rule, suggests a fun twist on the swear jar concept. “If your family is up for the challenge, you can even make it a game. Each time someone mentions something political, they have to put a dollar in a jar (or take a drink, depending on how your family celebrates the holiday). At the end of the night, that cash can be put aside for the next family get together!"

4. Have a moment of silence.

Sometimes the idea of a quiet table can be intimidating (all those chewing noises!), but encouraging a moment of reflection among your holiday guests can actually be transformative. Whether you observe several seconds of silence in honor of relatives you've lost, as a way to silently acknowledge your individual blessings, or as an act of prayer or meditation, you've hopefully brought the room back to focus on each other's company and the gift that it is to be together.

5. Be an active listener.

If your one doggedlypersistent aunt can't let go of her obsession with the latest political scandal, reconsider what she's actually trying to tell you. Chances are, it's not just about what she saw on the news. “Assume that your polarizing relative actually probably just wants to connect, feel respected, and reduce their own anxiety about holiday gatherings, and interpret even difficult behavior as such," advises Mary Fisher, a Salt Lake City psychotherapist who specializes in family relationships. “Express the desire to connect while redirecting the conversation," Fisher recommends. Emphasize the fact that you're interested in protecting the time your family spends together. That can help soften the blow when you ask to instead hear them share a family memory or talk about a hobby you both share.

6. Disengage.

Remember that if angry words or offensive language start flying at you across the sweet potato pie, you don't have to respond. Have a script in mind to use, something like, “While I hear where you're coming from, I don't share your opinion, and I'm done talking about it today." Convey the message that you're quite clear on the matter being discussed, and you're not going to take the bait. You may have to repeat yourself several times, or you may choose to remain silent until things cool down around you. Either one is okay.

7. Duck out early.

If you feel like you have to retreat from the situation entirely, do it. One of the best things about being an adult is leaving when you want to leave. You don't have to subject yourself, your spouse, or your family to any kind of dialogue that is insulting, bigoted, or aggressive. Fisher shares these words of advice: “While we might think that the holidays are the time to resolve differences, they are actually the time to affirm and nurture connection, which can be an uphill battle with politically polarizing relatives." If you don't feel like a connection is being nurtured and the environment is not good for you to be in, say goodbye and make a break for it.

Materials + Tools:

• 1 roll of tin foil
• 2 packages of crescent rolls
• 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Watch the Squid Game season 2 trailer!

Let the games begin! The Squid Game season 2 trailer brings a whole new set of games to our favorite players, and it's totally reminding me of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. We'll have to wait until December to see whether Gi-hun is really able to bring down the games once and for all.

When is the Squid Game season 2 release date?

Squid Game season 2 will premiere December 26, 2024. I guess nothing says Christmas like murder and giant, terrifying dolls. Creator Dong-hyuk reportedly took 10 years to write the first season of the hit series, but we're glad it didn't take him that long this time around!

What is Squid Game season 2 about?

The first season of Squid Game followed contestants chosen to participate in the titular games, a competition that features deadly versions of childhood games. And this time around, Gi-hun is doing everything in his power to take the game down, even if it means "starting another life-or-death game with new participants gathered to win the prize of 45.6 billion," according to an official synopsis.

"As we all saw at the end of season 1, the main plot of season 2 will be revenge," actor Lee Jung Jae tells All K-Pop. "The key figure who controlled the workings of the games in season 1 was Lee Byung-Hun...it seems that the two of us will be the central figures of this next story."

While season 1 was all about surviving the games, it appears that Squid Game season 2 could be all about bringing them down.

Who is in the Squid Game season 2 cast?

Netflix announced the cast of Squid Game season 2 in June 2023. In addition to the return of Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo, we'll also see some new characters including Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, and Yang Dong-geun.

Is Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2 of Squid Game?

Squid Game: The Challenge is a competition show inspired by the world of Squid Game. According to the official synopsis from Netflix, the 456 players are all playing familiar and new games and "their strategies, alliances, and character will be put to the test while competitors are eliminated around them."

Who won Squid Game 2023?

The winner of Squid Game: The Challenge season 1 is Mai Whelan, while the winner of the fictional Squid Game contest is Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae).