Write them down if you must, but please DON'T make these mistakes!

5) DON'T be too sensitive.

During the holiday season, we all tend to become a bit touchy about politically correct issues. With all of the diversity in celebration, is it possible to find a way to celebrate our different holidays peacefully? Here's an idea---how about some tolerance? Instead of worrying about how your favorite mass-market retailer will label your Christ-kwanz-ukah, be thankful you have the freedom to celebrate what you want, how you want, when you want, and to have that extra piece of fruitcake if you so choose.

4) DON'T forget your manners.

Though the season is young, I have already personally encountered a parking-related altercation at my local shopping mall. As I sat in my car and watched two women verbally assault each other over my own parking spot, I wondered if common decency still exists. We use the hustle-and-bustle of the holidays as an excuse for our impatient, selfish and rude behavior, and it's about time we stop. It won't kill you to walk a bit further, wait a little longer, and make the words "please" and "thank you" staples in your vocabulary. And remember, a smile goes a long way!

3) DON'T get sloshed at the office holiday party.

You don't want to be that girl, do you? See Elaine Benes to the right, and the result of too many cocktails with coworkers. As if a public display of dance-like convulsions wasn't enough, she followed it up the next year by making out with the office man-ho. Gals, learn from her mistakes. Enjoy that a large mug of eggnog, or an extra glass of champagne---but know your limits. Remember, the workplace loves juicy gossip, and an intoxicated showing is fodder for the rest of year.

2) DON'T get caught up in the rampant materialism.

When I was a child, my brother and I would fight over the Sears Christmas catalog when it came in the mail. Armed with scissors and glue, we would spend hours leafing page-by-page, searching for toys to add to our Christmas list. In the world of adulthood, the Internet may as well be my own toy catalog, and I spend lots of time (more than I care to admit) surfing to build my list of gimme's and wants. In an effort to make this season more about someone else than ourselves, I encourage you to make a donation (whether it be your time, money, goods or services) to a charitable organization of your choice. Visit Charity Navigator to find one, or contact your local church, synagogue or civic organization for ideas. Afterall---that Balenciaga bag sure is fabulous, but for the price paid, you could feed and clothe an entire town in Africa. Just something to think about...

And the most important Fashionista DON'T for the holidays:

1) DON'T wear holiday-themed sweaters.

You know what I'm talking about. These festive sweaters are adorned with massive amounts of puff-paint, glitter glue, ribbon, sequins, and googly eyes. Some are even equipped with hidden battery packs, enabling them to light-up or play music. Inevitably each year, I see young women wearing these monstrosities, and I fight the urge to stage an intervention. Gals, let's permanently loan these sweaters to the 70-and-up crowd. Just say no! That goes for accessories too---yes, you, the one wearing the big jingle bell around your neck!

Photos courtesy of Tubaloons.