The Christmas Slay-cation: Tacos, True Crime, and the Joy of Doing Absolutely Nothing

Let’s be for real: December usually feels like one long sprint toward a finish line that keeps moving. Between the deadlines, the shopping, and the "holiday cheer" (which usually just feels like a lot of traffic), by the time the 25th rolls around, I’m usually spent.

​But this year? The vibe is officially Protected Energy. I’m staying home. I’m ignoring the clock. And the only thing on my "to-do" list is existing. There is a specific kind of soul-relief that comes with knowing you have zero places to be and no one to impress. If you’re looking for me, I’ll be in my loungewear, minding the business that pays me.

​Forget the Ham, Pass the Salsa

​If you’re expecting a traditional 5-course sit-down dinner with a formal table setting, you’re at the wrong house. This year, the kitchen is a taco bar.

​Why? Because nobody actually wants to spend six hours over a stove while everyone else is relaxing. Tacos are elite. They’re customizable, they’re easy, and they don't require a meat thermometer or a prayer that the turkey isn’t dry. It’s a low-stress, high-flavor situation that perfectly matches the "un-scheduled" energy of the house.

​The Crafting Corner: Keeping it Personal

​Even though I’m officially off the clock, the "craftin’" never really stops—it just gets more fun when there’s no pressure. I spent my pre-holiday prep time getting my DIY on with a Red Bull in my hand and a true crime show playing in the background (because nothing says "festive" like a cold energy drink and a solved cold case, right?).

​Here’s what I put together this year:

• ​The Teacher Gifts: I made custom stack calendars. Something cute and functional for their desks that says, "I see you, and I know you need to know what day it is when the school year starts feeling like a blur."

  

• ​The Work Team: I went with custom Christmas candy holders. It’s a little something sweet and personalized to let my squad know I appreciate them for keeping me sane in the trenches.

  

​There’s just something about making gifts by hand that hits different. It’s not about the price tag; it’s about the "I sat down and thought about you" energy.

​One of One

​I was thinking about this while watching my show: we spend so much time trying to make Christmas look like a movie or a Pinterest board from 2018. But the truth is, no two Christmases are identical. This year is a "one of one." It’s the year of the taco bar. The year of the true crime marathon. The year of finally, finally just breathing. Next year might be loud, or busy, or different, and that’s cool. But I’m soaking up the quiet of this specific moment.

​So, if you’re feeling guilty about not having a "perfect" traditional holiday, let this be your permission slip to do whatever makes your heart happy. Eat the taco. Watch the documentary. Stay in the house.

​I’m officially signed off. See y’all when the Red Bull runs out.

Merry Christmas 🎅🏿

Your favorite Craftin Ass Blk Grl