I want to know what rooms in photographs look like a week later. Are same three Granny Smith apples still in perfect position on glass-topped table? Is fringe on cashmere afghan still draped just so over arm of rocking chair in baby's room? Does kitchen counter look bare without tureen of soup and matching soup bowls? I mean, soup was eaten, wasn't it? Am I losing my perspective here?

Show me a playroom after children have been forced to put away toys. I'll bet there are no cunning arrangements of stuffed animals having tea, and blocks aren't stacked into just-right pyramids with one block placed in front and a little to side. The pillows are all over room and bedspread is trailing onto floor. That's real.

I realize that decorating magazines present rooms and arrangements that are idealized and stylized. They are intended to give our imaginations a jumping-off point; we are meant to adapt their ideas to our own needs. They do a wonderful job and I will continue to peruse glossy pages of each publication. Occasionally, however, I'd appreciate a view of a real room, spiffed up for company, perhaps, but real. I want to be able to imagine waking up to clock radio, to see myself sitting at computer and actually getting some work done, to know where I would store supply of makeup without which I cannot face world. I want to think that I could actually live in room. Isn't that point of whole exercise? Don't we all want comfortable homes that suit our life styles, organized and better looking, maybe, but still us?

Go take a look at pictures in a decorating magazine. See if you agree with me. I think I'm going to go clean out a couple of drawers and straighten a bookcase shelf or two. It won't end up picture perfect, but it will be real.

5. Shop Wisely.

Buy people what you know they'll want for holidays. You'll end up wasting your money and time for a recyclable gift. If you know your husband doesn't like skiing, don't buy him a trip to a Ski Resort. People usually drop hints during year, so pay attention when they are talking. Have alternatives for gifts. Let your children know in advance that there might be a chance that you won't find their gift.

6. Don't Overspend.

Give yourself a budget and stick to it. Need to compare prices? Use an online tool such as http://www.shopping.com, http://www.bizrate.com, http://www.activshopper.com or http://www.pricegrabber.com. Limit yourself to gifts for people on your list. If you need extra gifts (just in case someone gives you one), buy a basket and fill it with candles, and other goodies.

7. Avoid too much alcohol consumption.

Alcohol and family gatherings are a lethal combination. You can not control what people around you do, but you can control yourself.

8. Stop Wishing for a Perfect Holiday.

If you want to avoid disappointment, don't have expectations of perfection. Everyone has flaws and holidays may not go as plan. Go with flow while being optimistic.

9. Take Care of Yourself.

This is not time for you to slack off of your self care. Exercise, eat right and get adequate sleep. Don't overindulge at parties or family gatherings.

10. Socialize.

The holidays can be lonely or you may not be in a celebratory mood. Instead of sulking, go out with a friend or do something that makes you happy. Keep yourself busy and make plans to treat yourself. If you need spiritual guidance, try visiting a church, mosque or synagogue.