5.Try to plan a few extra days off right before or during December-January holidays. Even one extra day could be useful to pack, get an early start on travel, finish up last minute chores or errands, or catch up on sleep and R&R. We often mistakenly assume we will feel more rushed and behind if we take down time- reverse is actually what occurs.

6.Do an inventory of your must-do. After you make your list, go through each one and ask yourself is this activity really gives you pleasure or serves your needs or needs of a loved one. Cross off any that don’t answer yes to above question. Make sure you are not doing things out of rote because that’s way it has always been. If you have one or two you are unsure of, put them at end of your list of priorities. This way, you can get to them if you have time after you have done things you know will be of value to you.

7.Consider having a cleaning service come in at least once during next month. Imagine extra time (and lowered stress) you would have if someone else cleaned your bathroom and kitchen, washed your floors, dusted your furniture, etc. What a nice gift to give yourself!

8.Arrange to have a massage, facial, manicure or other spa treatment. These are wonderful stress relievers. They are especially nice late in day at end of a hectic few days. Afterwards, you can go out for a quiet meal or go home and get some things done and then get a restful night’s sleep.

9.Make sure you are doing some kind of regular exercise. This should be part of your life 52 weeks of year. However, during high stress periods, it is more important. It is a fact that exercise increases energy and positive self-esteem and decreases depression. It is also a way to improve sleep and keep your weight in check.

10.Try to get some extra sleep. You will probably have to begin decompressing a little sooner than usual on those nights. Don’t eat dinner too late, or eat anything too heavy. Avoid alcohol those nights. Get ready for bed and lie down with a good book or in front of a favorite show. If you exercised earlier, this will help you to be more relaxed and ready to sleep. Even one hour three times a week will make a difference in your mood and energy level.

Read these suggestions over carefully and consider which ones might be useful to you. After you have begun to implement them; take a deep breath, sit back, and drink in some of lovely sights, sounds and smells of this cherished season.

7. Throw a small holiday get-together with a few other couples (or friends). Plan an activity such as trimming tree or lighting menorah. Be sure to serve festive food and drink. A bonus would be to have a secret Santa gift exchange. This would be where each person brings a gift ($10.00 or less). Everyone picks a number. Person with number one begins with first selection. Go through all numbers and open each gift in front of group. Exchanging is fine and provides some extra fun. Lots of laughs and very interactive.

8. Choose your or his/her place, stay home, rent old holiday classics, light fire and cook a simple but festive meal together. Play holiday music while you cook. Then watch (a few if you like) holiday favorites together. Or, you can bake Christmas cookies or other holiday treats together while listening to music and enjoying fire.

9. Work at a soup kitchen one day (meal) together. Sharing experience of giving is a wonderful way to get to know someone and deepen a relationship. It is also a great way to get into true holiday spirit. After clean up, go for a walk followed by coffee or a nightcap.

10. Go to a planetarium (if one is nearby). Enjoy spectacular winter sky together. There is usually a guided "show" that you can experience as you sit closely, (perhaps hand in hand?). Try to pick out constellations together as you walk back to your car. It is always nice to have an intimate meal afterwards.

See if you can add some ideas of your own to this list. Then put aside several evenings over next few weeks and awaken those feelings of peace, joy and goodwill for others.

Happy Holidays!