SIP YOUR WAY TO HEAVEN.
When you are having a hectic day, take a
time-out. Warm up or buy an extra-hot cup of
Chai tea with a spritz of whipped cream on top.
The spices will put you back in touch with your
senses and the warmth will spread through your belly
and soothe your frazzled cheer.
GET BAZAAR. Take the whole family
to a local holiday craft bazaar. Look for gifts for
teachers and other folks who enrich your family
life. Give each child a spending limit and enjoy
interacting with the vendors. Plan to spend a couple
of hours browsing so you can soak up all the creative
energy.
TAKE THIRT Y. Line up winter reads
from the library or download them onto your
e-reader. Encourage the whole family to take
thirty minutes a day to relax and read. Collections of
short stories or essays are good choices for moms
with very young or multiple children. This is a great
way for everyone to decompress after a busy day.
BRING MOTHER NATURE INSIDE. Pine cones, holly, evergreen boughs, twigs, and
poinsettias all remind us that life is hibernating underneath that blanket of snow or wicked frost. Gather
reminders of the season from your backyard or local garden shop and decorate the front hall, mantle, and
stairway. Remember: simple is as merry as ornate.
HUGGY HOLIDAYS. Use “Happy Holidays!” as an excuse to hug your loved ones often. Every time
you feel stressed, hug or get hugged. Your holiday stress will melt away.
STAY HEALTHY. Put holiday-scented soaps by every sink and encourage plenty of hand washing.
Install a bottle of hand-sanitizer next to every box of tissues. Chase every “Achoo!” away. (But stock up on cold
medicines, just in case, to avoid midnight trips to the market.)
LIGHTEN UP. Twinkling lights create a comforting mood. Don’t limit shimmery lights to the tree and
outdoor eves. If it sounds fun, bring some solace into the kids’ bedrooms as well as yours.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH. Bring some uplifting scents into your cleaning routine. Check out the
Mrs. Meyers brand of earth-friendly cleaning supplies. Your home and laundry will smell winter-wonderful.
ENJOY SPREADING CHEER. Save the annual holiday letter composing and Christmas card
address labeling for when you can carve out time to relax and enjoy the process. And don’t try to do it all
yourself. Break the job down into steps and enlist the whole family. Remember: taking everything on without
helpers is naughty, not nice.
QUESTION TRADITION. Traditions are wonderful but let’s face it—sometimes even the fondest
can become tired. So, if you don’t feel like tromping around all afternoon hunting for the most splendiferous
evergreen on the tree farm or frying the most perfect potato latkes, buy a pre-cut tree at your local grocery
store or pick up latkes at the deli instead. Use saved time to enjoy tree trimming or dreidel playing instead.
S T. JOHNS
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MAGAZINE
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