How to Survive and Thrive this Holiday Season! By Jeanette LeBlanc Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other cultural or spiritual holiday, many working parents envision making memories straight out of an idyllic Norman Rockwell painting. Yet the whirlwind of family and work events, combined with seemingly endless shopping trips, may turn you into the Grinch! Over the course of my career as a counselor, I've been asked repeatedly how to reduce often-overwhelming holiday stress. Learn how to turn frenetic into festive and how to better manage the holiday craziness at work and home with these strategies. 1. Prevent Holiday Overwhelm! Be selective about how you spend your time. A simple "I'm sorry, but I'm already committed at that time" works wonders. No explanations! You're just as entitled to your commitment to some sacred family time or to locking yourself in the bathroom for a luxurious bubble bath. Manage your many holiday to-do lists so they don't take over your work life too. Avoid the temptation to fight traffic and crowds on your lunch break. You deserve a break, too. Instead, try to set aside blocks of time for holiday chores. Write your annual letter on your home computer and do a quick personalization. Wrap presents in front of your fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa or while watching your favorite television special. 2. Stay Healthy You may think you don't have time for a little TLC, but what's the risk if you don't take that time? Reduced immunity and a two-week flu bug. With all the rushing and holiday sweets, don't forget to eat right, exercise and get some needed shut-eye. Diana Torres, the mother of five children ranging in age from 2 to 20, says her biggest challenge as a retail trainer is, "I'm always rushing and always running late. But I do have a super-fun way of staying healthy. Spanish and Country dancing once a week gives us a chance to go out, and it really recharges my batteries." Also watch out for the "holiday blues." Many people become depressed by feelings of isolation during this time of year, and being overwhelmed can make those feelings worse. Talking with a trusted friend or a professional counselor can get you through this difficult time. 3. Take Charge: Don't Be a Victim For years, my mother-in-law complained about hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner for her extended family. Cooking all day and washing dishes all night had grown old. Since everyone expected it, she felt powerless to say no. She surprised everyone when she asked the others to take a turn hosting this annual family event. Bravo! You, too, have choices about almost everything you do! I often opt to have special holiday meals catered or to eat out for a scrumptious Thanksgiving buffet at a local restaurant. No clean-up! 4. Make Magic Happen! The holidays are a wonderful time to deeply connect with your spiritual and religious values. Pam Martinez, an Assistant Director of Operations in the insurance industry, offers with a grin, "Yell less and laugh more. I try not to work past 6 PM. I'm always busy juggling my career and my home and church lives. This holiday I'm directing all of my church's holiday programs, and since my kids are performing, it has become a way we can create something wonderful together." Don't forget the most important gift of all for family and friends-the gift of you and your time. All the presents in the world can't replace creating special holiday memories. Rediscover the magic of the holiday season with your family! Eight Easy Holiday Gift Ideas 1. Food: Everyone Eats-Festive food items like fruit baskets, fine chocolates, gourmet food items, or gift certificates from a favorite restaurant make ideal group gifts. 2. Gift Certificates: Pick your own gift-Gift certificates are available in any monetary range from both online and storefront retailers. Recipients can shop any time they like or enjoy great after-Christmas sales. 3. Money: The Great Green Stuff-The easiest gift ever. Go to your bank for crisp, new bills for money envelopes or Christmas cards for the perfect "one size fits all" gift. It can be a great gift for people who prefer to do their own shopping. 4. Magazines: A Year of Great Reading-If you've discovered a publication that like-minded friends might enjoy, consider giving them a year's subscription. Find out if the magazine sends out a gift card to the recipient, or give your own. 5. Gift of the Month Clubs: Keeps on Givin'-Your special recipient can receive a gift via mail every single month. Check the Internet for a variety of Gift-of-the-Month options, such as food items like chocolate, wine, nuts, coffee, or romantic gifts like candles or spa items. There's even a Fishing Lure of the Month Club. 6. Gifts You Make Yourself: For creative people with time and patience, consider making homemade gifts or crafts or treats like your favorite fudge or cookie recipe presented in a beautiful tin or basket. Get lots of ideas at your local hobby or craft store. 7. "Once-in-a Lifetime" Gifts: If you're independently wealthy, surprise someone special with a dream come true-a cruise, a hot-air balloon ride (in warmer weather), or a spa or ranch trip. The key here is to ask questions about their fantasies or dreams without giving the idea away. For those of us with more limited means, with a little imagination, you can design a more affordable but unforgettable "extravagance." 8. The Non-Gift Option: If you are just tired of the whole gift exchange tradition, announce to friends and family that you'd like to opt out this year. Perhaps you need a break from it or want to give "gifts of time" for a fun event or service that you provide. As a parent, you don't want to disappoint your children, so it's probably a good idea to still provide them with gifts, but you can certainly scale back, while designing fun new holiday traditions. Remember that the gift of you is priceless. Also see: • Share the spirit of giving with your family • Holiday centerpieces Jeanette LeBlanc, Ph.D., is a National Certified Counselor and frequent contributor to BlueSuitMom.com