10 Tips to survive reunion season

MANILA, Philippines — The holiday season is synonymous with reunions: from massive school-sponsored annuals to intimate parties with friends. Christmas to Filipinos is how Thanksgiving is to Americans: It’s the time when we gather with kin, recount the year’s milestones, and gear up for the coming year.

You may look forward to these gatherings, but in the midst of work, gift shopping, and the propensity of holiday traffic to eat up 3 hours of our daily life, how can anyone find enough time to look beautiful for the stream of events that pack our social calendar?

It’s easy to get anxious about making a good impression. When you worry too much about what everyone thinks, it can turn into a stressful moment rather than the heartfelt occasion it was intended to be.

So how do you bring back the holiday cheer? To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of simple but effective tips to take you from one reunion to the next.

1. Avoid crash makeovers. Procedures like changing your hair color should be scheduled weeks or even months ahead. Otherwise, sporting a look that you’re not used to can spell disaster. 

2. Amp up your skin regimen. Beauty experts always say that great skin is the foundation for a great look. Maintenance is key. For your morning routine, use products that moisturize and protect you from the sun. Before you go to bed, use a regimen that repairs and rejuvenates the skin. A little effort goes a long way, and your old classmates will be sure to notice.

3. Be there ONLY if you must. Accept invitations for reunions where you sincerely want to catch up with people you miss. You’re not compelled to show up just because you feel like you “have” to be there or you need to prove how far you’ve come since your high school days.

4. Take advantage of Facebook. In most cases, your reunion will have a Facebook event page. Gather your old barkada and make plans before the event. While you’re at it, use the “Attending” list to refresh your memory of classmates’ names — and more important — what they look like now. The fewer the surprises, the better.

5. Shop for outfit options. A great outfit can do wonders in boosting your confidence during reunions. Hey—it’s OK to treat yourself a little in the wardrobe department once in a while. Layout several sets of clothes (with matching shoes and bags), and go for the one that makes you feel both comfortable and fabulous.

6. DIY your style team. Red-carpet divas have their own fashion-and-beauty squads, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the same luxury. Avoid the long salon queues: book your favorite neighborhood stylist and invite your most make-up savvy friend to help you get ready at home.

7. Have some wine BEFORE leaving the house. It calms your nerves, makes you feel fabulous, and buffers your alcohol tolerance for the rest of the night. Don’t drink wine on an empty stomach — munching on a little food also gives you energy on the way.

8. Carpool with friends. If traffic will forbid you from arriving to the reunion on time, at least you’re making a grand entrance with a glam posse. The car conversation can also be your warm-up for the fun night ahead.

9. Leave behind the angst. Reunions are perfect opportunities to patch up differences formed in high school hallways. It’s always worth the risk to reach out, apologize, and laugh together. It can be the chance for renewed friendships.

10. Just have fun. Remember that reunions are just as nerve-wracking for you as for everyone else. Loosen up and focus on enjoying the company of people you’ve known from way back. Reunions are beautiful because you don’t just relive the past — you also celebrate the present and continue to dream for the future. — Rappler.com