Musings and art Jean Kent / Haunted Emporium Magazine
Ah, the holiday season—when cozy jingles collide with noisy amps, and there’s more traffic at the merch table than the North Pole. As you know, the holidays are a whirlwind: seasonal shows, last-minute gigs, extra rehearsals, and a side of familial guilt trips.
Like Halloween on repeat but this round dazzled with tinsel and exhaustion instead of fake blood. So, how can you keep the holiday spirit alive without burning out faster than a string of cheap Christmas lights?
Grab some peppermint cocoa – spiked or naught – throw on your favorite horror flick soundtrack, and let’s dive into some survival tips. Because you, rock stars of the season, deserve to make it to New Year’s without being fried (and died).
1. Silent Night? Not Quite… But Close!
We get it. “Silent Night” is not in your band’s vocabulary, unless it is a discussion regarding the film. But taking a night (or even a couple of hours as a refresh) to test your quiet tolerance can do wonders. Ditch the amps, skip the rehearsal (umm. perhaps reschedule), and embrace actual silence. It may be difficult, drummers may find the beats of new tunes churning through their heads. Sugar Plums optional.
Jot this inspo then proceed to a mini detox for your ears, eyes and head. Save yourself from tuning into your inner “all work and no play” Jack.
Can’t go completely still? ambient horror does wonders for the soul by allowing for both a terrifying yet relaxed state. Those already introduced to the loveliness of voided sound may wish to journey from the established normalities of the eve
2. Vampire Hours Are a No-Go
With apologies to the Barren, it is recommended for all Christmas festivities to wind down prior to the hour of the vamps awaking. Entertaining into the wee hours and hopping the party train to multiple shindigs likens the chance of finding yourself slumbering with one of these vicious – and often smelly – creatures. Removal of your human form at a pre-determined hour will assist with maintaining your sanity whilst mingling.
Pro tip: create an exit plan before the party commences. “Hey man, I’ve gotta make sure Krampus doesn’t steal my amps” is a valid excuse.
3. Don’t Overdose on Festive Tunes
We all know those covers of holiday hits can get you booked, but too much “Little Drummer Boy” and suddenly this unruley boy takes residence in your head. Balance is key. Jam those tunes out – some walls were meant for a good drumming. rotate your list with a mix of normies and traditions – few horror soundtracks will get rumpapompom to exit immediately.
Got a spooky spin on holiday spirit? Now that’s what we’re talking about. Dial into your creative madness and mash your own new holiday beat.
4. Deck Out in Personal Protection Gear
Beyond talking about how essential earplugs can be when in loud environments. This season take the initiative to arm yourself with holiday comforts that remind you to feel grateful for all this madness that surrounds you. Grab a horrifying beanie, a Freddy Krueger eye mask for a quick nap or a funky travel sized humidifier that The Creature would appreciate; and strike back against the heat miser. Keeping your throat well hydrated and balanced between rounds of cheer drinks will help with recovery time this upcoming new year. We all know you are anxious to get out and make some noize this coming 2025.
5. Select your sugars…wisely
We know the stats; many horror stories start with a sugar crash. Its inevitable. Vintage mad creature leaving a trail of destruction and death due to having to struggle its way through the world to find something to eat. Snickers is not always a reliable source of protein.
Being a fan of the occasional indulge, plan your meals to keep yourself satiated whilst on your adventure. Grab that fab Chicago pizza, few drinkies of choice – and without judgement allow your inner creature to enjoy this joyous evening.
Also ensure that your body can recover properly from these shinanagans prior to setting off on a new adventure. Con crud and other conventional woes are often attributed a crammed sched without the time to get adequate sleep.
public reminder: energy vamps can be in abundance at this time. Starvation prior to their indulgence ensures that your energy stores live on another day.
6. Huddle Up with Your Band Fam
Hibernation and burnout can often feel like an isolation chamber. Make it a group effort to connect with a short vent or tasty beverage. Should a plan start going awry, as life has it ire’s; consider a game plan together with your crew.
Sharing gifts of shared tasks – such as lugging gear, setup..or even dd for the eve – will help Santa from laying off a few elves this coming spring. Spend the darkest of eves with those time you prefer.
7. Killer Setlists & Smaller Shows
Okay – last summer this massive holiday show was deemed an excellent idea and now life is throwing glitches in the dets. Focus young danielson; better to curate a killer setlist of a few of your best tunes and execute them properly rather then blowing your dough on that hot arsenal of pyros. Require something on the cheap? DIY with a green screen and projector.
Band mate flaking on the show? Utilize tech to not only fill in but to also expand the sound. String breakage? You are ready.
Keep it concise and powerful so you don’t stretch yourself thin.
8. When in Doubt, Embrace Your Inner Grinch
Nothing wrong with a little “bah fn humbug” now and then. Brunch with Krampus or Gremlins on a low key morning can feel amazingly spooky and keep you feeling like the creature that you truly are.
9. Channel Your Favorite Horror Hero
Think about it: Horror heroes don’t burn out—they persist. When things get overwhelming, channel your inner Ash Williams or Ripley and remember, you’ve survived crazier gigs. Making it through will allow for better hibernation during the weirdest part of the holiday season – looking at you, Jan 2). Not many gigs happening then, and it’s a perfect time to turn off the amp and get your chill on
One final Notation: Krampus Isn’t the Only One Taking Musicians for a Ride…
Don’t allow the holidays to become a death march of jingles and overbooked gigs. Taking time to create a system that keeps you sane this season. And un-eaten.
Now go forth, survive and conquer this joyous time of the year..like the horror loving, head-banging rockstar that you are.
And if anyone needs you on December 26th? Just say you’re still busy wrangling Krampus—no one has to know you two are hanging later.
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