Awkward Christmas Sweater Parties & The Art of Being Kiss-Ready: A holiday survival guide for chaotic, festive girlies everywhere.

Awkward Christmas sweater parties are basically The Hunger Games…but with glitter, lukewarm cider, and at least one guy wearing a sweater that looks like a taxidermied elf.

You walk in, already overheating in your aggressively wooly reindeer (the one with emotionally confusing eyes), and immediately lock eyes with someone cute by the punch bowl.

Suddenly you’re thinking: “Wow, I might actually kiss someone dressed like a festive potato.”

And honestly? That’s the spirit of the season.

But here’s where the plot thickens — literally.

If destiny (or questionable holiday cocktails) decides to bless you with a mistletoe moment, your lips cannot be out here cracking like a gingerbread sidewalk in a snowstorm. The universe may forgive many things, but dry lips during holiday magic? Absolutely not.

Step 1: Pre-Party Lip Prep (AKA Don’t Set Yourself Up for Failure)

Before you even leave the house, apply Zarbi like it’s your holiday armor.

Think of it as emotional support hydration. You never know when the cute human in the snowman vest is going to appear.

Step 2: Party Touch-Ups (AKA Panic-Proof Moisture)

Once you arrive, do one discreet reapplication.

Then another when you see them laughing at the joke you pretended not to listen to.

Then another when they adjust their ugly sweater with the confidence of someone modeling couture.

The goal is simple: Soft. Smooth. Mistletoe-ready. Just in case fate decides to throw a festive plot twist your way.

Step 3: Trust the Holiday Chaos

Holiday magic is real.

People fall in love at coffee shops, make questionable decisions at office parties, and kiss strangers wearing sweaters that should’ve been retired in 2006. It’s all part of the charm.

But dry lips? Still not the vibe.

So moisturize, mingle, and embrace the seasonal delusion.

Whether you end up kissing someone adorable, someone questionable, or absolutely no one at all, at least your lips will be thriving.

Zarbi: For when holiday romance calls…and your lips need to answer.