Halloween costume ideas

Holiday Do-It-Yourself Gift Ideas — The Rundown Ep 28 (Dream Mining) Video Clips. Duration : 4.20 Mins.

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The leaves are falling and Fall is in the air. Halloween has come and gone. To your amazement, Christmas music is already playing and it is early November. Getting ready for Christmas used to be your favorite thing to do: i.e. cards, decorating, baking cookies for the grandchildren and planning that special gift for each person.

Now Christmas has become your most dreaded time of the year because your loved one is gone. You ask yourself, “How am I going to survive this year without him or her?” There are hundreds of people in this same situation and here are some tips that worked over time:

Plan ahead for Christmas and what you want you to do this year. Be sure to include important family members in making your decision so no one’s feelings get hurt.
Options to consider in your Christmas planning: Do you want to do a traditional thing as always? Do you want to change the tradition by adding something new? Do you want to skip Christmas all together this year? Do you want to celebrate the winter season by going on a trip or cruise?
Look at your priorities once you have made a decision on how you and your family want to celebrate Christmas. Remember that everything doesn’t have to be Perfect. Trying to be perfect doesn’t serve us and it can be very frustrating.
Let others help you with what you would like to have done. If you can afford it, have dinner catered. You can have a potluck with family and friends. Go to someone else’s house for dinner.
Be sure to member that we all go through the stages of grieving at a different pace. If you feel that you are stuck in a phase, please get help through a local support group or work with a professional counselor.

Holiday Tips

Holiday Grief – Help and Tips

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Thanksgiving is a holiday for families and football, and a lot of hard work and money goes into preparing the feast! As the host of your family’s Thanksgiving dinner try planning ahead this year.
Use these tips to help you save yourself some headaches and money:

Watch for supermarket loyalty programs.

Holiday Tips

Many supermarkets offer special incentive programs around the holidays that can earn you free groceries. Read your local newspaper and check the weekend circulars, and be sure to capitalize on the chance to earn free Thanksgiving turkeys!

Check wholesalers for better bargains.

For every day items and groceries, wholesalers don’t offer the lowest prices. Many families however, hold multiple holiday parties from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. If you’re hosting multiple parties this year, buy in bulk from Sam’s Club, BJ’s or Costco; you’ll get more items for a cheaper price.

Vary your shopping.

Supermarkets recognize that consumers plan ahead for their holiday dinners. Stay on top of the weekly specials at various supermarkets in your area. You may save money on one item at a store this week and more money on another item a few weeks later.

Outsource your courses.

As host of the party, it is your job to cook, clean, decorate, prepare and entertain. Ask your guests to pitch in this year by bringing a side dish to Thanksgiving dinner. If you’re cooking the turkey, stuffing and desserts, relatives will be more than happy to bring the potatoes, vegetables or cranberry sauce!

Tips for Successful Holiday Planning

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Across the country, pest control problems can ruin the holidays. A home pest inspection can help you avoid this unsavory situation. During a home pest inspection, a residential pest control expert checks out your home, looking for situations that could encourage rodent and insect infestations. The tips listed below can also help you discourage pests this holiday season.

Keep it Clean

Holiday Tips

As every pest control guru knows, pantry pests are a common residential pest control problem all year long. Weevils, moths, ants, rodents and beetles are happy to feed on any carbohydrate-heavy food, including rice, cereal and flour. To avoid drawing pests to your pantry, keep a tidy kitchen. After eating, immediately clean up any crumbs or spills, and store extra food in airtight containers. Finally, keep your pantry dry; like us, pests need water to survive.

Firewood Pest Prevention

For pests, firewood represents both shelter and food. Avert firewood pest infestations by storing firewood off of the ground. Keep firewood more than twenty feet from your house. Proximity encourages infestations, as bugs tend to explore the area surrounding their homes, and firewood makes an excellent rodent and bug home. Pest inspection experts take a good look at firewood storage, since this area often creates the need for residential pest control.

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Hitchhike

Bed bugs are showing up in posh hotels across the nation, so don’t feel bad about protecting your home from bed bugs that may have hitchhiked in with holiday guests. After all, bed bugs have spread across America by hitching rides with travelers. Your guests may unwittingly bring bed bugs into your home on their luggage.

Protect yourself against these tiny vampires by dressing guest beds in light-colored linens. This will make it much easier to see bed bug specimens, exoskeletons and feces. Additionally, you should store luggage away from bedrooms once your guests have unpacked. Following the visit, wash clean linens in very hot water. Lastly, a box spring and mattress encasement is an excellent method of practicing bed bug residential pest control.

Christmas Tree Pest Prevention

A Christmas tree is a cheery reminder that life survives even the dismal months of winter – a valuable message, especially in wet climates like the Northwest. Pest control precautions are needed, however, even with this most familiar symbol of the holiday season. Carefully check out self-cut or store-bought trees, looking for spider webs. If you find webs, remove them immediately. You should also keep an eye out for live insects lurking in your tree. These pests can breed quickly in your home’s heated environment. Apply these same home pest inspection methods when bringing fresh wreaths or garlands into your home.

Carefully Unpack Decorations

Moths, nesting mice, silverfish and carpet beetles love to set up shop in storage containers. Not only do storage boxes provide a protected home for pests, but they also contain pest food in the form of organic materials like fabric and paper. Therefore, be very careful when unpacking stored holiday decorations. If you can stand the cold temperatures, unpack holiday decorations outdoors. Watch for pests while unwrapping figurines, stockings and ornaments. As far as residential pest control is concerned, the ideal storage solution is plastic tubs with locking, tight lids, as pests can’t gnaw their way into these containers.

Home Pest Inspection Tips to Prevent Holiday Pest Infestations

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Disney Christmas and Holiday Events at Walt Disney World Resorts 2011

Disney has always stood for family-friendly entertainment, so it’s no surprise that the holiday season is one of the most popular seasons for Disney vacations. In fact, as early as November 8th, Walt Disney World Resort starts preparing for the season with dazzling productions, lively parades, shining garlands and wreaths and millions of glittering lights.

Chrismas

In case you’re planning a Disney vacation this holiday season, or if you’re looking into a Disney timeshare rental, we’ve put together a short list of some 2011 Disney holiday attractions you won’t want to miss:

Holidays at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

At Disney’s Magic Kingdom, kids and adults alike will fall in love with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an after-hours party occurring from 7pm – 12am on 19 nights between November 8 and December 18, 2011. During these family-friendly festivities, celebrants can enjoy dazzling fireworks, carolers, character “meet & greets” and merry shows while sipping complimentary hot cocoa with cookies and apple slices. Attractions at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party include:

Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season – A spectacular fireworks extravaganza
A magical “snow fall” on Main Street, U.S.A.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – with a special appearance by Santa Claus!
Live entertainment featuring Disney Characters
Castle Dream Lights at Cinderella Castle (see below)
Meet and greet opportunities with beloved Disney characters
Complimentary cookies, apple slices and hot cocoa
Additional Magic Kingdom attractions open late!

The Magic Kingdom also offers Castle Dream Lights, a dazzling display of light and ceremonial shows performed every evening at dusk at the Cinderella Castle. From November 8 – Jan 3, favorite Disney characters don festive garb and transform Cinderella’s Castle into an “ice palace draped with 200,000 ice cycle-white lights – a breathtaking focal point to a park ready for revelers with wreaths, bows, garland, towering Christmas trees and scarlet poinsettias dominating the landscape.” – chipandco.com

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place Nov. 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29, 30, Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 and 18, 2011. Day-of-event pricing is .95 and .95 for children (up to age 9). You can save per ticket when you purchase in advance. Tickets can be purchased online here.

Source: chipandco.com

Holidays at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

For the holidays at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, families will delight the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. This virtual city of lights is a mega-watt spectacle of dancing lights and animated displays synchronized to upbeat holiday music. With whirling carousels, brightly colored wreaths, flying angels, swirling snow flurrries, amazing 3-D effects and even a visit from Santa and his reindeer, this is truly a Christmas festival to remember.

Holidays at Epcot

Holidays around the World – during this “World Showcase” international storytellers share holiday tales and traditions from their homeland. Here families can stroll a promenade peppered with characters like Italy’s La Befanda, the kind treat-bringer known for filling children’s shows with delights; or Father Christmas – the gift-bearer of the UK. Of course, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are also celebrated during this heartwarming event. The night ends with the mesmerizing “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” a spectacular showcase featuring a fountain show, laser lights and fireworks display.

Candlelight Processional – this breathtaking retelling of the Christmas story is accompanied by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra. From November 25-December 30th, a celebrity narrator takes the stage at America Gardens Theatre to share the story of Christ’s birth.

Holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

In addition to festive carolers and immaculately trimmed Christmas trees (complete with animal crafted ornaments) vacationers staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will enjoy Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. Here beloved King Louie and Baloo lead a safari-stale musical promenade through the park. From Nov. 10 to Jan. 3, 2012, Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates the playful spirit of the holidays as Chip & Dale, stilt walkers and savannah friends dance alongside decorative floats at 4 p.m. daily.

Other Disney Christmas Events at Disney Resorts

In addition to festively decorated villas, resorts and Disney timeshares boast a number of holiday must-sees including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa’s life-size and impressively intricate gingerbread house featuring 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 35 pounds of spices and a chimney puffing out aromatic cinnamon smoke.

There’s also an amazing gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort that features chocolate and soft-candy ponies and an oversized candy-cane pole.

If you’re planning a visit to your favorite Disney timeshare or hotel, or if you’re considering an Orlando timeshare rental during the holiday season; don’t miss these great Disney events! And if you’d like a hand renting a Disney timeshare or finding a Disney vacation property on the resale market, always work with a BBB Accredited licensed timeshare broker like Timeshare Broker Sales.

Disney Holiday Attractions – How to Plan Your 2011 Christmas Vacation to Disney

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The holidays are full of festivity and fun. Here are some fast and free household cleaning tips.

Cleaning a spill on the carpet

Holiday Tips

It’s inevitable. No matter how careful everyone tries to be, someone is going to spill some food or drink on your nice clean carpet. To keep the spill from doing damage try to dab it up as quickly as possible. Mix one tablespoon of mild liquid dishwashing detergent in 1/2 cup of warm water (note: you can also use 1/2 cup of white vinegar). Grab two clean white towels. Use one to dab at the stain with the solution, and the other to alternately blot the area to soak up the spill.

Keep frost away from windows

If you live in a cold weather area, it’s nice to be able to look outside and see the pretty winter snow and holiday decorations. If your home windows fog up in cold weather, there’s a solution. Wipe windows with a solution of 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol (or antifreeze) per 1 quart of water. Another tip is to moisten a cloth with glycerin and wipe the insides of the windows.

Cleaning your precious knickknacks

If you have a great collection of knickknacks that you love to display, but hate to clean, here’s some good news: there’s a quick and easy way to clean your figurines. Simply place your knickknacks inside the kitchen sink and spray them with window cleaner. Move them to a paper towel to air dry. This works for glass, china, and glazed figurines.

Cleaning candle wax drippings

Candlesticks – to clean hardened wax off of candlesticks, place the candlesticks inside the freezer for an hour or more. Remove candlesticks and the frozen wax should easily peel off. Wash and dry candlesticks. If you’re pressed for time, run the candlesticks under very hot water, cover your hand with a soft towel and gently push hot wax off the candlestick.

Tablecloth – to remove still warm candle wax from a tablecloth, rub the wax with an ice cube to harden it, then scrape the wax off with a spatula. Place a paper towel over and underneath the remaining wax. Press wax area with a warm iron. Keep changing paper towels until all remaining wax is absorbed. Sponge off the remaining residue with dry cleaning solvent. Rub the area gently with heavy duty liquid detergent. Put tablecloth through the washing machine as soon as possible.

Fireplace cleaning

To prevent lots of ash dust from spreading around the room when you clean out your fireplace, sprinkle damp tea leaves onto the ash first.

If you have a slate hearth, you can make it a glossy showpiece by washing it every six weeks, letting it dry, and wiping it down with lemon oil.

Wash brass fireplace tools in warm sudsy water.

Clean sticky fireplace tools with a cloth moistened with kerosene. Let tools completely dry before using again.

Quick clothing stain removal

Don’t panic when you spill something on your clothes. Pour a glass of club soda. Dip a clean white cloth or handkerchief into the club soda and sponge off the stain.

Cleaning up after a big party

Step 1: gather up all the cups, bottles and glasses. Empty any partially-filled containers into the kitchen sink. Look around for spills and clean them up immediately.

Step 2: Fill kitchen sink with soapy water and soak dishes and utensils. If you have a dishwasher, run your first load of dishes.

Step 3: Grab a large garbage bag and begin picking up party garbage in the outer rooms, work your way towards the kitchen.

Step 4: Dust furniture and clean floors and rugs. Work your way towards the kitchen.

Step 5: Clean kitchen. Take out garbage bags.

7 Spotless Holiday House Cleaning Tips

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Planning successful social events takes time and patience. But the effort also gives you a chance to shine. One of the best ways to demonstrate your good judgment and your administrative ability is to help plan a party that people will be talking about all winter long.

Start Planning Now In most cases the planning should be at least two to three months in advance. Most restaurants and caterers have their menus ready months in advance. Ask for copies to be faxed or sent to your office. Consider:

Holiday Tips

What type of party is appropriate for the occasion? (casual get-together, banquet, buffet, dance, etc.)
Are you hosting this event during the work week?
Where will it take place? (office, hotel or restaurant)
Who is footing the bill? (company or the employees)
Set the date.

Something to Think About: Your company may want to consider its tax deduction when you’re planning the party. As a basic rule: If the party is held on your company’s premises, the expenses are fully tax deductible. But if the party is held at a restaurant, hotel or banquet hall, the cost is fully deductible only if the party is “primarily” for rank and file. An off-premises party is at least 80% deductible no matter which employees attend.

To Cater or Not to Cater If your boss wants to keep it simple, you could order party trays from the local deli or ask staff members to bring in various food items for a pot-luck. Keep in mind, however, that people who sign up to bring in certain dishes may show up with something else on party day. To avoid getting stuck with ten bags of potato chips and no desserts, you may want to take up a collection ahead of time and buy the refreshments yourself.

If the event will be formal or if a lot of people will be attending, you may want to hire a caterer. This will save you an enormous amount of time because once the essential decisions about the party are made, you can let the caterer handle the details.

Here are some suggestions if you decide to go the catering route:

Shop around. If you have never hired a caterer and have no recommendations to fall back on, check with the home office. They may recommend two or three reputable caterers in the area that are suited to your needs.
Make sure the caterer you choose is licensed has liability insurance and a permit. Feel free to ask for references, a reliable business shouldn’t mind. Call the references and verify their service.
When you’re considering price quotes from caterers make sure you’re getting what you pay for, i.e. one caterer may serve frozen pizza that you could easily buy in a grocery store, while another may prepare it fresh.
See if the caterer can prepare an assortment of interesting foods and Hor D’Oeuvres. People like to be able to pick and choose. You may also want to take dieters and those with known health issues into consideration and have vegetables, fruits and salads or even special dishes, such as low-cholesterol recipes
Go over the details once you decide on a caterer, you need to take the time to discuss your plans in detail so the caterer knows exactly what you want. For a company party, the presentation can be extremely important. The best company parties are often somewhat simple, but elegant.
Make sure you get a signed Catering Agreement outlining job responsibilities, total cost of your event, deposit and additional fees for setup and decorations. If there’s room in your party budget, you might consider having the caterer supply a staff to serve and clean up so you can enjoy the party.
When deciding on the menus consider using seasonal dishes. Quality and price are the main cost saving advantages.

Alcohol or Wine Because of the potential legal liabilities, more and more companies are serving wine or champagne instead of having a full bar. Make sure employees are reminded of the State Laws and Company policy on Alcohol and Drugs. Besides cutting down on legal problems, it helps to keep party expenses down. A champagne punch is a good choice for a holiday party.

The Forget-Me-Nots Don’t forget the little things. Once the major details are worked out, make arrangements for often overlooked essentials, such as ice. It’s the first thing that people run out of so buy extra. You can always through out what’s left over, but you’ll have a problem if you run out of it at the party.

Try and give the caterer an accurate count of people attending. Caterers usually take into account a few extra people. But if there’s gross misjudgment you’ll run out of food. And nobody wants to run out of food.

You should be ready to have a great time and shine for all your efforts in making this a successful event to remember.

Tips To Plan The Perfect Office Holiday Party

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With the holiday season fast approaching, and countless parties and festive social events you might have to attend – you want to make sure your hair is fabulous! Remember our hair is as delicate as it is beautiful, therefore it is imperative that you treat your hair like you would a fine silk blouse – with extra care. Regular conditioning, daily moisturizing and quality hair care products are a must!

Winter Hair Care Tips:

Holiday Tips

Winter is the season that wrecks the most havoc on curly tresses. From the seemingly instant change in climate to the daily assault of dry, brittle wind and frizz-producing rain — a curly girl just doesn’t have a chance! However, you can counter the evils of winter by incorporating a good hair regime and using only quality products for your hair. Product choice is paramount. Look for moisturizing cleansers and conditioners and hydrating stylers and leave in products.

 Over shampooing and under conditioning are common culprits for dry, frizzy hair. Winter weather further exacerbates the issue. Therefore, shampooing more than 1x a week is not recommended. I recommend shampooing 2-3x a month, for dry and/or damaged hair, and 1x a week for undamaged curly hair.

 Proper conditioning is one of the most important steps for maintaining a head of radiantly health hair. Unfortunately, most of us do not take the time to adequately do so. Deep conditioning, with heat, is recommended,

 On the other “shampoo-less” days do a conditioning rinse – rinse hair to remove styling products (this is where using the right products that are water soluble come in….such as our products), apply an ample amount of conditioner comb through, rinse and proceed with styling. Doing so will pump much needed moisture back into your hair without stripping away essential nutrients, rinse away unnecessary dirt and oil and give you a fresh clean start.

 Avoid products that contain mineral and/or petrolatum oil as an ingredient. Do not use products with these ingredients for your curly hair or scalp. Both of these synthetic oils coat and suffocate the hair shaft blocking moisture out. Further, they clog pores in your scalp and can retard hair growth. Read your labels. Remember, the ingredients are listed in order of volume. If you hair requires an oil, use only natural oils that penetrate the hair shaft (e.g. coconut, almond, olive, pomegranate seed oil).

Holiday Hair Do’s

 Give your hair a pre-holiday deep treatment, with heat, especially if you plan to heat style your hair. This extra step will help protect the cuticle from damage.

 Nothing is more unattractive then sparse, stringy ends, especially on girls/women with curly hair. Regular trims should be a part of your hair care regimen. Curly hair should be trimmed at least every 3 months, and 1 week before a major event or party. But don’t just trust anyone with your gorgeous locks. Ensure that your stylist is familiar with styling and cutting curly hair.

 Use the right tools when styling your hair. Always opt for natural boar bristle brushes and not nylon brushes, as they tend to break the hair especially during winter months.

 Don’t overdo the heat styling. Excessive blow drying, flat ironing and curly will perpetuate dryness and encourage breakage.

 Go natural! Explore you hair and its glory. Go for the sexy, messy look. Cleanse, condition, moisturize your curly tresses and let them be.

STYLE TIP: Once your hair is dry, gently secure various ringlets tautly to your scalp with bobby pins. Allow a few curly tresses to dangle in your face.

Let the sparkle and shimmer of the holiday season inspire you to have fun with your hairstyle. A little red dress, stunning stilettos, accessories to die for and a hot handbag are just what a woman needs to turn heads at any holiday bash. Top it all off with the perfect hairstyle and you’ve got a look that’s simply stunning!

Tis the Season to be Curly – Holiday Hair Care Tips

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The holiday season is a special time of year. It is also a time of year when many people gain unwanted weight. However, you don’t have to gain the standard holiday pounds. With a little foresight and planning you can avoid putting on extra weight during the holidays. Here are 9 ways to help you stay in shape during the holiday season.

Try To Stay Physically Active During The Holidays

Holiday Tips

Whether it’s before, during or after the holidays, research shows that the main reason for weight gain is inactivity. So, even if you’re on vacation during the holiday season, try to stay as active as possible, take advantage of walking tours or the hotel fitness room. If you are already an active person, then try to keep up with the same activity level during the holiday.

Exercise When You Can, As Often As You Can

The holiday season can be the time of year that becomes very busy for some people. What that might mean, therefore, is that exercise gets put off until after the holidays are over. And that is exactly the thing you shouldn’t do. If you can’t exercise much during the holidays because you’re busy with family obligations, shopping, etc, then exercise when you can. It’s much better to exercise some of the time than to not exercise at all. Additionally, when you go out for holiday shopping in the mall, start off with a brisk walk around the mall before you begin your shopping. Taking a 10 minute walk after dinner with your family is also another way to fit some exercise in.

Fill Up On Healthier Low Calorie Foods

When you go out for holiday meals, don’t fill your plate up with high calorie foods first. Instead, start with low-fat, healthier choices such as salads and vegetable dishes. Then move on to other options such as fish, skinless chicken, grilled meats and whole-grains. Foods such as these are more filling and, in the end, if you decide to have a slice of cake or something like this, you’re less likely to over-indulge.

Eat Smaller Half Portions

Everyone likes to partake in all of the wonderful foods that are a part of the holiday season. If you do eat foods that are less than desirable for your diet, eat them in small portions. Don’t try full size portions of everything, pick a bit here and there.

Parties Are Not Just About The Food

When you go out for holiday parties and gatherings, don’t concentrate so much on the food. Instead, concentrate on the people that you’re spending time with, many of whom you may only see once a year. Forget food, have fun, laugh and have a memorable time.

Avoid Alcohol

The average alcoholic drink contains about 200 calories per glass. Have enough of these and you will end up with the same amount of calories in a meal and you may still be hungry. Instead, save the calories on the alcoholic drink and have yourself a nice meal.

Ask For And Give Health Related Gifts

If you’re asked, or if you’re given a choice, ask for health related gifts. For example, a workout video, an exercise outfit, a magazine subscription for fitness, exercise equipment or even membership in a fitness club are all viable options.

Eat On A Regular Schedule

Sometimes during the holidays, things can get pretty hectic. The tendency then, may be to skip meals or eat erratically. However, try to prepare for this in advance by scheduling your meals throughout the day. And, at the very least, try to prepare healthy snacks in advance that you can eat throughout the day.

Do Not Deprive Yourself But Indulge Occasionally

If having a small slice of cake or some other holiday goodie that you enjoy will keep you from feeling deprived and then binging, then go ahead and have a small serving. But remember to control your portion. Also, doing a little extra exercise the next day is also a great way to counteract the calories you may have gained from the extra holiday food you might have eaten the day before.

Holiday Survival Tips – How To Stay Fit And Trim During The Holiday Season

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Would you believe that it is Black Friday and I am sitting in the food court of a shopping mall as I write this article? In years past it would have been positively unthinkable for me to even enter a mall on this most manic day of the year – given that I do have bipolar disorder. But, on the bright side, the disorder has forced me to learn how to beat the “Holiday Blues.” So, here are my tips for staying sane clear through New Year’s Day.

1. ‘Tis not necessarily the season to be jolly. Who says that you are obligated to be the most merry soul at every occasion? That kind of pressure is bound to bring you down sooner or later. So, I suggest this paradoxical strategy: If you want to avoid the Holiday Blues, don’t feel like you must be deliriously happy at all times. Life ain’t easy. If you’ve been sacked with hard-time troubles lately, it’s perfectly natural to feel a bit down – regardless of the time of year. And getting guilty about feeling melancholy is not likely to cheer you up. But you might enjoy giving yourself permission to feel less than giddy.

Holiday Tips

2. Missing some holiday activities does not make you Ebenezer Scrooge. Enjoy the things you like about Christmas and the New Year celebration. Do what you love and, yes, what you must. And don’t feel any pressure to go beyond that. If you hate going to the mall, then, please, stay as far from this place as possible. It’s pure mayhem. I’m here because the madness stirs my mania and helps me write. But I’m not shopping. You can do that online.

3. Take advantage of every sunny minute you can get. There is little daylight during the Christmas season and if you are prone to depression, that alone can send your mood toiling in the drear. My psychiatrist recommended a set of full spectrum lights to simulate the sun that I am missing at this time of year.

4. Remember what got all of this started. If you are a Christian, it is possible to be completely alone this Christmas and make it the best you have ever had. Because you are not alone. Christ is with you and when you praise Him (really praise Him); His joy will be your strength. I have bipolar. I have seen the depths of gloom, despair, and agony. Praising God hard and long makes it impossible for me to stay there. You might also try reading the Advent scriptures from the daily Catholic Mass. They can be found every day at ourcatholicfaith.org. If you are not a Christian, there is no harm in finding out about the Birthday Boy. At the very least, you will be able to make a more informed argument for whom you believe Him to be – or not be. Even if you don’t come to faith, there is no denying the joy of the story. And it could rub off.

5. Take care of your physical health. Get some exercise. I’m not talking about going crazy with it, but a good walk on a crisp December day can do wonders for your mood, self-talk, and thinking. And so can a few good cookies – the extra walking will help keep the weight down, so why not give yourself a little treat now and then?

6. Carve 10 minutes out of every day to just be quiet, alone, and relaxed. Drop everything, close your eyes, and take some long, deep breaths. Let your mind go blank – even numb. This kind of planned solitude will be a refuge from the holiday pressure to do every possible frantic thing. But be careful. After 10 minutes of this, you might forget to pick up with worrying again about everything you need to be worried about. Write those things down beforehand. Then, feel free to throw the list away. You might combine this Tip with Tip #4′s scripture reading.

7. Let the people close to you know that this might not be your best time of year. They might understand and they might not. Either way, you’ll spare them the puzzle of not knowing what’s going on with you – and you’ll take the pressure off yourself.

8. Try to make somebody else’s day. Whenever I was depressed and my Dad would caringly make this suggestion, my response would sometimes be a nasty, “What about my miserable damn day?!” But he was right. Doing something simple to help somebody else did put a smile on my face. Here’s something that might make somebody else’s day – and yours. Take a personal inventory of your relationships and see where you might be able to offer an apology. Even if you don’t think you did much wrong, it is always accurate to say, “You know, I could have handled that better and I’m sorry that I didn’t.” You will feel the transformation. And Christmas might be a good time to heal a friendship.

9. Fake it! Act happy! This might have just caused you to curse me. I understand. If somebody had told me “Act happy” when I was in the midst of a depression, it might have opened up a fist-fight. But there came a time when I accidentally learned that if I woke-up miserable, but somehow forced myself to go to my job, put a phony smile on my face, and semi-pleasantly say hello to everybody at work, by 10:00AM I marveled at how good I was feeling – for no reason. Dr. Cliff Kuhn, MD actually recommends forcing yourself to smile as a “treatment” for depression. He writes that when you smile “your brain activity increases, your immune system perks up, and your resistance to pain rises noticeably – even if you wear a fake smile.”

10. Bedford Falls was fiction and George Bailey had his troubles, too. Yes, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and you can have a very joyful Christmas and a Godly New Year. Just don’t expect perfection. You can leave that to the man we celebrate on December 25.

Tips For Beating the Holiday Blues

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