The best advice on how each zodiac sign should prepare for the holidays
With the holidays (literally) around the corner, it’s easy to feel like a chicken with its head cut off. Between buying presents, finalizing work, and prepping for travel, we’re in survival mode and may not know how to handle the festivities. Thankfully, the cosmos is on our side. While we may be scrambling to finish everything before the holidays begin, we can take a peek at our horoscopes to see how we should handle the holidays—because if there’s any time to ask for help, it’s now.
Good news is, the rest of the year should go as smooth as butter. Since a lot of signs will need to buckle down, reflect, and relax during the last couple of months of 2019, there’s no need to go berserk with action plans just yet. “It’s the calm before the storm. [However,] the new year, in general, is going to be a big work year,” says astrologist Alice Bell. “Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto will all be in the sign of Capricorn. It’s the year to put in a lot of work to see results. You just have to be proactive about [your plans] and not wait for things to come to you.”
If you’re ready to end the year—ehem, decade—on a high note, check below for your sun and rising sign to see how Bell suggests for you to handle the holidays. Bonus: We included some items to help ease the holiday stress—because it’s the season of giving, after all.
ARIES
The holidays are always a troubled time for Aries because they can be impatient and restless. Bell suggests being wary of engaging in conflict with family members who don’t always do what you want them to do. This is also a time when you want to be mindful of not being too self-centered. While Aries are filled with passion, they can sometimes neglect how other people feel, so it’s important to learn how to slow down, be patient, and be more open to others’ ideas to have a more fulfilling and joyful holiday with loved ones.
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TAURUS
The holidays may be a tricker for Taurus because everything is in their 8th house, making them more introverted right now, according to Bell. Because of this, Bell says, “The holiday season is more about being open to others’ ideas, sharing their lives, and becoming closer with the people they care about.” However, this year, in particular, relationship tension that might come up, so it’s best to let your stubborn ways fall to the wayside to build healthier and happier relationships around the holidays.
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$45
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GEMINI
Geminis, this is your time to connect one-on-one with the people you care about the most. Leave the gossipy group hangs at the door and instead lean into having deeper conversations with your loved ones and learn how to become a better team player, according to Bell.
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$18
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CANCER
During the holidays, Cancers are more inclined to focus on their health and work. According to Bell, these next couple of months will be the time for you to be more health-conscious and mindful of your work-life balance. While you may want to reach for your computer during your holiday family trip, it’s best to take a step back and examine how you want your work-life to truly look. Good news is, this is your time to shine with family. Cancers thrive during the holidays because they’re a “family” sign, so try to continue to bring people together while you’re home for the holidays.
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LEO
For Leos, the holidays are a fun time. New romances can arise and family outings are at an all-time high. This is the time for you to take the reins and plan fun activities or hobbies for the family to do together, according to Bell. Think: family ski trips or bingo night. The more engaged and playful you are this holiday, the better.
What to Buy:
$18.74 Org. ($24.99)
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VIRGO
The holidays are always a family-oriented time for Virgos, but expect to feel nervous and antsy due to not being productive. Bell’s suggestion? Try to relax and spend time with your family. This means you may want to avoid taking strenuous international trips and instead, just book a trip back home for the holidays with family or loved ones to truly find your zen.
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$50
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LIBRA
Libra, your communication is magnified during the holidays. This is the time when you want to go to holiday party after holiday party to have important conversations or to simply socialize more with people you care about. Also, Bell recommends taking a short weekend trip with friends. While you can have your grandma or dad tag along, you may enjoy your holiday getaway more if you just hang with your BFFs.
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SCORPIO
‘Tis the season for money, Scorpio. You’re more inclined to impulsively charge your card during this time, which is why Bell recommends that you not overspend on gifts this year, and try to be creative instead, like buying thoughtful gifts or completing DIY presents. Ultimately, try to refrain from focusing on what you’re getting or receiving and instead, center your attention on the time you’re spending with loved ones.
What to Buy:
$38
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SAGITTARIUS
Even though this is your season, Sagittarius, Bell recommends shifting your energy toward your relationships instead of getting wrapped up in your own problems. As a Sag, you may feel inclined to take on more than you can handle or take the lead when it comes to family holiday outings this time of year. But try to take a step back by practicing self-control. It’s not your responsibility to be in charge of everything. You deserve to give yourself a little TLC, too.
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CAPRICORN
The truth is, this is one of the hardest times of the year for you because it’s right before your own season. You’re most likely keeping to yourself and experiencing enough anxiety to fill the Atlantic Ocean. While you might be swimming in stress, Bell suggests trying to learn how to navigate those negative thoughts. “It might be best for Capricorns to take a timeout to be alone and reflect on what they want to accomplish for the next year,” she says.
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AQUARIUS
You’re naturally good at having all these connections and bringing people together, Aquarius. But when it comes to the holidays, Bell recommends hanging with people you have more meaningful connections with instead of just going to random holiday parties with acquaintances. Try to remember the last time you hung out with your old high school friends or your buddies from college, and invite them over for a cozy evening at your home.
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$119
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PISCES
During this time of year, you’re focused on your career, asking yourself big questions like What am I doing? What are my goals? While you might be inclined to continue down this path because you’ll have a lot more on your plate while you’re away on holiday, Bell says, “Step away from work because there’s not much you can do since the offices will be closed.”
What to Buy:
$8
Shop itInstead of focusing on work, take a long bath with a couple of your favorite bath bombs. We suggest these stylish bombs from Anthropologie that will let your worries fall by the wayside.