To do: Enjoying the moment and the gathering of family and friends. Don’t consider the holiday’s a disappointment if a soufflé falls or if the turkey is a little dry.
• Take Care of Yourself. Stick with healthy eating choices. Remember, you can have a little bit of everything. Moderation is the key especially with sweets and alcohol. Drink plenty of water to remain hydrated. And you’ll get a full feeling too.
To do: Choose dessert OR bread instead of dessert AND bread.
• Exercise. Increased amounts of food and the stress family members can bring may lead to weight gain. Keep yourself healthy by starting or maintaining your exercise regime.
To do: Walk 3 or more times per week. Exercise generates endorphins, your body’s natural stress relievers.
• Set a Realistic Budget - And Keep To It! Ask family members to make a wish list with priorities. Stick to that list. When your budget has been met, stop buying and get creative. Try making your favorite dessert (muffins, cupcakes and specialty breads are especially fun) then give it, along with its recipe, as gifts.
To do: Instead of buying cards, make a list of holiday card ideas for kids to make. You’ll promote creativity and decrease expenses.
• Enjoy the moment. Ever heard of the phrase ‘Life happens when you’re making plans?’ It can happen. Take time to enjoy your favorite holiday song, watch a special program or enjoy a favorite childhood holiday activity you may have forgotten.
To do: Enjoy a conversation with a good friend away from ringing cell phones and e-mail alerts.
Help Someone Else. Celebrate the joy of giving this holiday season. Donate to your favorite charity or adopt a family for the season. Giving to others creates joy.
To do: Contact your favorite charity for donation ideas.
• Keep your holiday schedule reasonable. Commitments at work can often converge with busy family holiday schedules. Why overcrowd your schedule? If you’d like to host a part, delay it until late January or February. Chances are that all your friends will be able to attend and will welcome a fun occasion when the holiday season concludes.
• Do you feel the need to answer every phone message immediately? Then why feel you have to attend every party to which you’re invited. Rushing from one holiday occasion to the other will To do:Make a list of the parties you attended last year. Then accept invitations to others this year.
• Be creative. There’s no ‘right’ way to celebrate the holiday season. So why not create your own traditions?
To do: Think of all activities you love to do during other times of the year. Add a special holiday touch and voila! Your own holiday tradition is born!
