reviews fiction – non-fiction - biographies
Classic books make the perfect gifts
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
Tape , scissors , bows , ribbon , it ’ s a very good thing that books are easy to wrap ! So here are some great books to wrap up this holiday season ....
Here ’ s the great thing about giving a picture book to a small child : they ’ ll love whatever you wrap up ! Look for a classic Christmas tale you loved as a kid , or find one of the newest , flashiest , Santa-est picture books and get ready for a read-aloud session .
For older kids who can sit still awhile , find a simple version of Dickens ’ A Christmas Carol , or look for a chapter book they can read on their own .
If you need something to put you in the mood , and you ’ re in the mood for romance , there are a lot of new Christmas romance books out . Look for “ A Wish for Winter ” by Viola Shipman , or “ All I Want for Christmas ” by Maggie Knox , or check out some of the classics by Debbie Macomber or Donna VanLiere . If it ’ s a cozy pet novel you crave , find “ How Snowball Stole Christmas ” by Kristen McKanagh .
Who says a book has to be about Christmas to give it as a gift ? Hint : it doesn ’ t .
Look for “ Anxious People ” by Frederick Backman for your novel lover . Find “ A World Without Us ” by Alan Weisman , for your science nerd . Pick up “ Over My Dead Body ” by Greg Melville for your traveler . Wrap up “ The Book Eaters ” by Sunyi Dean for your fantasy fan .
And if all else fails , ask your favorite bookseller for help . He or she will know exactly how to finish off your gift list . The wrapping is left up to you .
Season ’ s Readings !
HOLIDAY HEALTH Sticking with your exercise routine
The stress of the holidays can be overwhelming , which makes it hard to find the motivation to still workout . Coupled with “ winter blues ,” when anxiety and depression tend to be higher , this can be a tough time of year for a lot of people . However , continuing your workout routine during the holiday season can actually help reduce stress .
Carissa Murray
Exercising releases endorphins , which are our body ’ s “ feel good ” hormones . Endorphins help combat insomnia and boost self-confidence , as well as help alleviate anxiety and depression . Even 5 to 10 minutes of aerobic exercise can help clear your mind . The holiday season also can tempt us to eat more than we usually do , and eat unhealthier foods than we do the rest of the year . Keeping up with your fitness routine while making a conscious effort to limit all the yummy meals and sweet treats will help with unwanted seasonal weight gain . Even if you don ’ t have time for a full workout , lace up your shoes and go for a walk . Whatever you choose to do , just get moving and get your heart rate up .
Sticking with your exercise routine during the holidays will also help set you up for success in the new year . If you take a break during the holiday months , just imagine how hard it will be to start back up again . If you ’ re currently not working out , don ’ t wait until January to start . Go ahead and ease yourself into a workout routine and kickstart your fitness journey before next year .
Whether you workout at home , or you ’ re part of a gym , take some time for yourself throughout the week and move your body . Don ’ t use the upcoming holiday season as an excuse to put your health and wellness on the back burner .
Carissa Murray is Fitness Manager at CLUB4 Fitness Meridian 34 • MERIDIAN LIFE