| Decking the halls and spreading good cheer takes a lot | | | | catalogs. That's how I find just the right something for |
| of energy. Here are some tips to make sure you | | | | everyone on my list. When it ceases to be fun, I stop. I |
| enjoy every last fa-la-la.1. Stay Centered. An energized | | | | so enjoy shopping this way that, throughout the year, I |
| and peaceful holiday season is possible only when you | | | | bookmark sites that offer just the right items.If you find |
| can keep your priorities straight. Take a pen and paper | | | | the materialism of the season draining your energy, |
| and ask yourself: What do you value, above all else? | | | | commit to making an attitude shift. If you want things to |
| What comes second? Third? How important is your | | | | be different this year, only you can make it so. Take |
| spirituality, your family, your profession, your time for | | | | the lead for your family, and live in such a way that |
| yourself? After some thought and reflection, rank your | | | | you prove less stuff really does equal more fun.Maybe |
| top priorities on a Post-it-Note where you will see it | | | | you'll take the money you usually spend on |
| throughout the day. (Mine is on my computer monitor). | | | | one-too-many toys and enjoy, instead, a weekend |
| Refer to your list when asked to make commitments | | | | family getaway. Maybe you'll make homemade |
| and compromises. If the request does not jibe with | | | | goodies, such as picture frames, home movies, or |
| your list, you do not only have permission, you have an | | | | goodie baskets, which the whole family helps to |
| obligation, to say no.This list of priorities may set the | | | | create.Maybe you'll bag the traditional gift-giving and |
| course for new holiday traditions, as well. Maybe you | | | | start a new tradition. In our family, it goes like this: Each |
| will donate toys, books, and food to charities. Maybe | | | | guest brings a wrapped gift of roughly the same dollar |
| you will help serve dinner at a homeless shelter in lieu | | | | value. We sit in a circle and each person, in turn, has |
| of a holiday meal.2. Indulge the ghost of Christmas | | | | the option of taking a gift that's already been opened |
| Past. What memories immediately come forth that | | | | or opening a new one. It's fun. It's festive. It gets |
| evoke a fond nostalgia? For me, it isn't the gifts or the | | | | everyone moving and talking, and it switches the focus |
| shopping or even the parties. It's rocking my infant, | | | | to the relationships and the event...not the gifts.4. Start |
| alone, by candlelight, to "Silent Night." It's letting my | | | | early, plan well, and take care of yourself. Here are |
| 2-year-old crack the eggs for the cookies, and seeing | | | | some tips:Simplify as much as possible. Use paper |
| the pride on her floury face.Decide what the holidays | | | | plates. Eat out. If a holiday tradition is old and tired, |
| really mean to you. What is really important? Then | | | | reinvigorate it or start a new tradition of staying at |
| make a plan to weave more of those activities into | | | | home.Plan ahead. To help, chances are, your favorite |
| your holidays, and reduce the rest.3. Deck the Halls | | | | food website has a checklist for big holiday |
| with Light and Love. Don't let commercialism spoil your | | | | events.Replenish your natural energy by taking care of |
| fun. Make the simple promise to yourself that, this year, | | | | your body. Eat right. Exercise (in the crisp outdoors |
| you'll actually enjoy your holiday shopping. Brainstorm | | | | once in a while). Drink plenty of water. Sleep.Energize |
| ways you can make this happen. For me, the mall is a | | | | your image. Give yourself an early holiday gift or a |
| giant energy drain. The look of worried resignation as a | | | | great haircut, a brow shaping, a pedicure with bright |
| shopper hands over her credit card tells me that she is | | | | red polish, or a free makeover at your favorite |
| shopping out of a sense of obligation and not one of | | | | cosmetics counter and a purchase of the most vibrant |
| joy. And it sours my holiday spirit.Instead, I carve out an | | | | lipstick shade you'll actually wear.Decorate with items |
| afternoon all to myself. I put on an Andrea Bocelli CD, | | | | of comfort and joy. Display photographs from past |
| sip Chai tea from a giant mug, and curl up with a | | | | holiday celebrations. Keep in full view reminders that |
| fleece blanket to surf the Internet and page through | | | | you take care of yourself... |