Holiday Survival Tips For Actors

The holidays can be tough on actors trying to make it in Hollywood. The good majority of them are far away from their families and have to spend a majority of the holiday season away from home. While it's not fun to be far away from family and friends, the holiday season offers opportunities for action as well as reflection.

1. Watch and Learn - Even though you might not be home for all of the holidays, you still need to get out and do some shopping before you make it home to your family. Use the time to watch people and study their expressions and body language while you're taking care of holiday shopping. Consider it a free acting class.
2. Get Ready to Face The Questions - Every actor in Hollywood experiences the same questions from family members. "What have you worked on lately?" "Have you met (insert name of famous person)?" "Why haven't I seen you on TV?" "Can you get me tickets to see a taping of Ellen?" Unfortunately, almost everyone outside of the acting world defines success as being on a hit TV show or landing a part in a successful movie. Be ready to answer these questions in a way that highlights what you've done lately and acknowledges the victories you've achieved in the past year.
3. Reconnect With Contacts - Use the holidays as an excuse to send notes to casting directors, agents and other industry folks you've met but haven't talked to lately,  It's always good to get on their radars since pilot season starts not long after the holidays.
4. Update Your Branding - The holidays are when the industry shuts down at the end of the year and everyone takes a well deserved break. Take advantage of the time off to update your social media and make sure that the image you present is consistent across all social media platforms.
5. Get In Touch With Your Feelings - The holidays can bring up a flood of emotions (good and bad). Don't be afraid to look inside yourself and assess where your career is at the end of 2015. If you're happy with your career path then stay on the course you are following. If you're unhappy with the way your career is unfolding, take the necessary steps to get back on track. It's up to you to enter 2016 feeling that you're making the right choices for your acting career.

One important item that I didn't mention in the list above? 

Take some time to enjoy yourself!!! 

You might not have any actual family in town but that doesn't mean you don't have family to spend time with during the holidays. The friends you've made in the acting community are more than just "friends". The acting community is a family that supports each other and wants to see each other succeed. Take advantage of the free time you have during the holidays and connect with your acting family.

This Actor Loves The Holidays As Well As Holiday Fun With His Friends.