Almost there, fundraisers. In just a few short weeks, we’ll be poppin’ champagne and Martinelli bottles and toasting our amazing fundraising feats of 2013.

But first, we have to survive the madness of year-end. And to make it more fun, here’s a quick little guide to help you handle it like a jingle bell rock star.

1. Insist that board members who have yet to make their annual gift wear a Grinch costume to your holiday social.
2. Send LYBUNT donors a letter addressed from Santa informing them they made the Naughty list.
3. Eat a holiday cookie for every email bounce back message you receive through the end of the year.
4. Use leftover direct mail premiums for Secret Santa gifts.
5. Bring a gingerbread house replica of your capital campaign project to your next donor visit.
6. Spike your gift processor’s eggnog latte with Red Bull and chronicle his ensuing antics at Facebook. (Extra points for pictures.)
7. Sign your holiday cards as Overhead.

Do you have a favorite trick for surviving year-end festivities? Tell me in the comments!