Happy Holidays!

Like I always say, I'm just an old pair of glasses. Who am I to be giving advice? But every year, my friends - a collection of sunglasses, contact lenses and spectacles like me - ask me to give their owners some tips for the Silly Season.

I get really tired of repeating myself. So this year, I'm going to write it all down... so I only have to say it once.

And so, without further ado, here's my two cents on taking care of your eyes and eyewear this holiday season:

1. Rest your eyes if you're driving. You spend a lot of time squinting into the sun and focusing on the road, right? Your eyes are getting worn out, and maybe you don't even realise it. Just like you need to stretch your legs regularly, take a break from the driving and rest your eyes. (Also, it'll give you a chance to stop and eat one of those petrol station burgers you know you shouldn't, but you know you will.)

2. Protect your glasses if you're flying. This sounds like it isn't even worth saying, but you won't believe how many casualties I've heard about in my time. Glasses get bent, dropped, sat on, squashed... all on an airplane ride. And don't leave your glasses behind when you get off the plane. You won't believe how many friends I've lost that way.

3. Speaking of flying, take care of your contact lenses. If a flight makes you feel dehydrated and cramped, you can imagine how they feel. The dryness of a plane is a contact lens's nemesis. Keep them moist, or don't wear them at all.

4. If you're lucky enough to be on the beach, sunglasses are your best friend. They can help to keep sand out of your eyes, even in that crazy Cape Town wind. Plus they'll protect your eyes from those infamous UV rays. True, nobody wants a sunglass tan. But that's why you wear sunscreen, huh? (I'm not even going to lecture you about THAT.)

5. Holidays are great for catching up on some reading. Of course, you'll want to take a break from the reading every now and then so you don't strain your eyes. Also, maybe stay away from reading too much fine print... unless you're reading a timeshare contract, in which case the fine print is super-important.

What more can I say? Happy Holidays, folks. I know I've been grumpy and bossy this year... and next year, I look forward to doing it all again.