5 Believable Excuses to Get Out Of Obligatory Events This Holiday Season

Ah, the holidays. The time of year when social obligations seem to multiply faster than your stress levels. Whether it’s your husband's awkward work party or a family gathering that could be summarized as "everyone pretending to like fruitcake," sometimes you just need a break. But how do you politely escape without becoming the Grinch of the group? Fear not, because I’ve got five tried-and-true, totally believable excuses to get out of any forced socialization this holiday season. Love, someone who despises forced socialization <3

1. “I Have a Really Tight Deadline I Need to Hit.”

Nothing says "I am an adult with responsibilities" quite like a deadline. Whether you’re working on that important project at work (even if you’re only 25% done) or simply need to finish "binge-watching a show for research," the “I’m on a deadline” excuse is golden. Who can argue with productivity?

Pro Tip: Just make sure you’re vague about the details. Nobody needs to know you’re really just finishing that Netflix documentary you accidentally started.

2. “I’m Feeling Under the Weather.”

Look, no one wants to hear about your stomach bug or your mild cold, but in the winter months, this excuse practically works like magic. A runny nose or the “I’m just feeling a little off” comment will make anyone reconsider forcing you into any crowded events. And hey, you’ll even sound considerate for not potentially spreading germs around. Classic.

Pro Tip: If you really want to sell it, mention that you're "being cautious" due to the "high risk of flu this season." Bonus points if you keep a box of tissues nearby.

3. “I Have Plans With My Dog.”

Now, we all know the true power of this excuse. Nobody, and I mean nobody, is going to question you when you say you’re hanging out with your dog. Even if your dog doesn’t technically have plans, it’s a solid excuse. Whether you’re "walking them" or just "enjoying some cuddle time," the dog card always works. Plus, how could anyone compete with a dog’s unconditional love?

Pro Tip: You can even text a cute photo of your dog looking extra cuddly to seal the deal.

4. “My Home is a Disaster and I Need to Clean.”

We all know that nothing feels worse than hosting people when your space looks like a disaster zone. So why not turn this into a reason to stay home, pour some wine, and binge-watch holiday movies instead? "I just can't possibly leave with the house in such disarray" will hit home for anyone who's ever faced a laundry pile bigger than Mount Everest.

Pro Tip: If you feel like taking it to the next level, casually mention that "the cleaning is going to take hours." No one will want to argue (or offer to help) with that!

5. “I’m Too Tired to Be Social.”

The classic "I'm just too tired" excuse. We all get it—there are only so many hours in the day, and sometimes, the thought of pretending to be fun at a social event just sounds... exhausting. Whether it’s from holiday shopping, work stress, or just your brain refusing to function, this excuse will be met with understanding nods.

Pro Tip: If you're feeling bold, try adding, “I just need some me-time to recharge." They'll respect your need for self-care.

There you have it—five foolproof, believable excuses to dodge any unwanted social situations this holiday season. Of course, you might still get some pushback (I mean, Aunt Karen really wants you to come to that party), but with these excuses, you’ll be gracefully bowing out in no time. Now, go ahead, take a nap, cuddle with your dog, or just kick back with some holiday treats in peace. You’ve earned it!

What do you think are some fast-food items that need to make a comeback? Some of our favorite menu items are missing from our go-to restaurants, and it's time they make their return.

Menus are constantly changing, and that's understandable. You need to adjust with the times and keep up with what the customers want. However, sometimes you just need to listen. The people are asking for these fast-food items to make a comeback. Can you think of any you'd like to see make a return to the menu? We've thought of 5 (once) popular fast-food items that need to make a comeback!

Right now, the popular craze in fast-food is Bargain Bundle Meals. It seems like every restaurant is coming out with a new menu bundle aimed at saving you money. McDonald's has a $5 meal deal, as does Burger King. Taco Bell has a new $7 combo bundle, and even Sonic recently debuted a $1.99 Value Menu. That's great that they're thinking about our wallets during this time, where even fast food seems to cost a ridiculous amount of money. However, is it enough? There's still a lot more these restaurants can do for us. All they need to do is pay attention. I'm sure you've seen people calling for certain items to come back on social media. Chances are you even have a couple of examples in mind yourself.

Admittedly, some fast-food items leave the menu for a good reason. If people aren't buying the product, then you should probably remove it from the menu. That makes sense financially. Also, I think these restaurants should stay in their lane. I don't need a burger from Taco Bell and I don't need a taco from McDonald's. Focus on what you do best and execute. What doesn't make financial sense is when you know people are clambering for one of your delicious items to return to the menu, but you don't make it happen. Seriously, fast-food chains would make so much more money than they already do if they re-introduced these five items to the public.

We've been asking... nay, we've been demanding and yet our voices have gone unheard. So, I'm trying again. Here are five once-popular fast-food items that need to make a comeback! If you can think of any that didn't make the list, make sure to let us know!

https://youtu.be/wy9lMmxNh-o?si=e9WXL-ksKNEXOm4i You probably expected to see this on the list and I can't not include it. Seriously, people don't talk about fast-food items that need to make a comeback without talking about McDonald's Snack Wraps. They were a COVID casualty and the restaurant chain has blamed supply chain issues for it not making its return to menus across the country. People keep asking and asking but it hasn't happened yet. They'll create a new value bundle but won't give us our Snack Wraps. It's going to happen one day, I just hope it's soon.

https://youtu.be/1oNf6NOQCFU?si=J1_VPlwNYiv56sUT The Twister at KFC might have been one of my favorite fast-food menu items of all-time and sadly you can't get them anymore. They were different than your ordinary Chicken Wraps and even better than the previously mentioned Snack Wraps, if I do say so myself. The chicken was crispy and delicious, the lettuce was also crispy and delicious, but it was that spice that got your attention. It wasn't overwhelming but you knew it was there. It was the perfect flavor. I miss it every day.

https://youtu.be/_oT3VHK0X2w?si=Zix2uBa5G56-WNn7 Saving Silverman is one of my favorite movies and every time I watch it I'm reminded of the monster roast beef sandwich that was Arby's Big Montana. It always looks so tasty when Amanda Peet's character Judith eats one. Sure, Amanda adds to why it looks so good, but you can't help but to want a bite. This thing was huge! It was a half-pound of Roast Beef! That's probably why they ended up having to pull it off menus. They still have the meats, but back then they REALLY had the meats.

https://youtu.be/eQkFvfiWNpI?si=eVEoQlnRYPwm0XMU It wasn't very long ago that we were enjoying Double Chalupas at Taco Bell. They were seemingly double the size of an ordinary Chalupa and resembled a boat. Yes, a taco boat! How tasty is that? It also had Nacho Cheese on it, which makes me miss their Nacho Cheese Chalupa. I loved the big version of the popular taco. It wasn't long ago that they had it on menus, and it always could make a comeback. I wouldn't be surprised. Taco Bell seems to understand the assignment and give people what they want.

Of course Szechuan Sauce makes the list! The people need it to come back! It's one of the best sauces not only that McDonald's has ever released but in all of fast-food! The sauce made its debut in 1998 as a promotion for Disney's Mulan and then took a nearly 20-year hiatus before coming back thanks to a Rick and Morty promotion. People again went crazy for it during its limited release and would horde the sauce. Hopefully it will return for good one day because it's that good. Mmm how I miss that garlicky spicy goodness. It's truly one-of-a-kind.