Five Stories to Help You Survive Christmas

Christmas and Hanukkah are next weekend, and the mad dash to finish shopping, enjoy holiday parties, and prep for some serious family time is in full swing.

From dining on Christmas Eve to braving the malls and shopping local, here are five stories to assist you in navigating the holiday season.
1. Beyond the Food Courts, Where to Dine at Miami's Malls
They say don't shop on an empty stomach or you'll leave the grocery store with a cart full of food you won't eat. Does the same rule apply to holiday gift shopping? Malls are crowded, parking is stressful, and unless you have a stockpile of snacks, you need a few good food options to stay fueled and fight the holiday chaos. From Lincoln Road to Dadeland, malls are amping up their food offerings to keep holiday shoppers sated. Mall shopping doesn't have to mean grabbing a soft pretzel or some slop at the food court. Sophisticated dining options abound. From French bistros to upscale burger joints, here are the best mall dining options in Miami.
2. Preorder Salty Donut Gifts and Doughnuts for Thanksgiving and Christmas
The Salty Donut won't be open Christmas Day, but there's still a way to snag the shop's wildly popular doughnuts for you and your loved ones this holiday season.
3. Bachour Bakery + Bistro Offers Gorgeous Tarts, Specialty Teas for the Holidays
The holiday season is upon us. That means stressing over buying presents for coworkers and friends, along with the ordeal of taking items for office potlucks and holiday gatherings. This year, forget the mall and Publix and do your holiday shopping at Bachour Bakery + Bistro. Baker extraordinaire Antonio Bachour has introduced a host of Instagram-worthy treats for the holidays. And, yes, they're delicious.
4. Got a Lousy Christmas Gift? Exchange It for a Whopper at Burger King's Whopper Exchange
It's Christmastime — a season filled with holiday cheer, well-wishing, friends, family, and giving. That means trying to find the perfect present for that special someone — or simply wrapping something you picked up at the dollar store. We've all gotten lousy gifts before: a punny T-shirt, ugly sweater, novelty mug, or peach candle with the price tag still on it.
5. Guide to Restaurant Christmas 2016 Dinners in Miami
Without fail, every year the holidays seem to creep up on us. Palm-tree-lined streets and pleasant temperatures make friends and families descend upon South Florida to escape the cold and enjoy a warm holiday retreat. Now, what to do with all of your holiday guests? Many restaurants are typically closed on Christmas, but a good number are open and ready to entertain you and your family so you don't have to cook for a small army. Put on your best holiday attire and enjoy a special meal knowing your kitchen will remain clean.