Bracing Myself for the Holidays

There is a good chance that my holidays are going to suck. Here's why:

I can not help my sensitivity to fragrances. And I know I complain about them a lot. But, they make my life unbearable a lot. Perfume, cologne, aftershave, lotion, makeup, body wash, hair care products, scented candles, potpourri, incense, and air fresheners all make my head hurt. (And can I send out a special shout-out to the motion sensitive air freshener I've seen on tv? If I walk into someone's house and one of those scent snipers shoots its poison anywhere near me, I'm throwing it of the house like a live grenade.) It seems like everyone brings out their smelly candles and favorite perfume at this time of year. And I end up feeling like a jerk for being sensitive to it.

If the clouds of perfume wafting off of my grandmother like napalm haven't ruined my appetite, the food of the holidays threatens to take me down. 'Tis to season to be a glutton and eating a large amount of crap food never makes me feel good. As hard as it is to turn down another crescent roll, or to not eat one (or more) of every kind of cookie on the table, or to avoid the snack table altogether, it's worse to have to leave early. So, no cookies for me.

I may have mentioned a few times that earplugs: mandatory. I'm also trying to think of creative ways to xmas up my noise canceling industrial earmuffs, just in case it gets extra loud. If I had money I would by some small santa hats and affix them to each muff. Maybe I'll just cut up some snowflakes and tape them on. Of course, there will be pictures taken, so I'll be weighing the embarrassment and comfort factors and I'll let you know who wins.

I wish I had a cute winter hat with a brim. Ball caps and beachy bucket hats won't match my outfit. But, blocking overhead lights has become very important, so I'm hoping to work something out.

I'll have my sunglasses with me at all times. Christmas lights are lovely, but can be bright. Worse, they are often blinky. I simply can't have anything blinking in my eyesight without feeling ill, confused, and getting all triggery.

I bring two bags with me almost everywhere we go now. My purse, which holds all the normal stuff (plus a small headache kit) and another bag with emergency stuff, like a scarf and mittens, the headphones, and icepacks. I don't always need something from my extra bag, but when I do, it saves the day, truly.

So, be prepared is the moral of this story. And be kind to others who may have just come in from the cold and blinking lights.