It's a fact of life that we will experience stress, but how we handle it is important and completely up to us. While there is certainly "good stress", the body may have a difficult time in telling the difference between good and bad. The key to coping, particularly at holiday time, is knowing how to use stress (good and bad) to get energized and how to protect yourself so that you stay healthy in the process.

The following are some ideas to incorporate in order to bring the holidays back into a place of anticipation, enjoyment and fullness:

1) Focus Christmas on the act of giving. Not endless lists of "wants". Shopping for that "perfect gift" gives even the most seasoned shopper a migraine! Start a tradition of giving only one present per family member. Set a cost limit and encourage "gifts from the heart" and gifts that focus on service to other family members. Give gifts of time to your friends. A hand-made coupon for lunch or a movie with you will mean so much to close friends.

2) Set a particular evening to put the tree up and decorate the house. Many families like to do this the day after Thanksgiving in order to enjoy the season for a longer period of time. Make a rule that every family member must help and contribute time. Have some healthy snacks on hand and some organic hot apple cider to sip on. Play bouncy and happy Christmas music throughout the house. If someone gets angry (untangling light strands <smile>) then they must go to another room for ten minutes to calm down and deep breathe. Teach your family "how" to handle stress in a successful manner. Screaming or storming off is not acceptable or appropriate. Your children will thank you for this teaching when they are older. Once the house is decorated you will feel less stressful about everything else that needs to be done.

3) As soon as you decide on a gift, get it wrapped. Don't wait until the last minute to try to wrap twenty packages.

4) Make sure that you and your family are eating three healthy meals each day and two healthy snacks. No exception. Include a raw salad at lunch and dinner. Keep a bowl of in-season fruit on the counter or in the fridge. Go easy on sugar, dairy and processed foods. Balance is the key.

5) Take a walk by yourself every single day. If you live where the sun is out frequently then try to get some sun on your arms and face. If you are not able to get adequate sunlight then use full-spectrum lighting and take Cod Liver Oil. Carlson's is one of the best. Give this to your children also.

6) Take the following every day: intraMax; Latero-Flora; unrefined coconut oil or cod liver oil; ViraZap (maintenance dosage unless you are sick); Quantum Greens; Zymitol; Max Stress B and Oasis Serene Nautural Progesterone Cream.

7) Diffuse essential oils throughout your home and car. A blend of 4 drops of pine; 4 drops of sweet orange and 4 drops of ginger will be up-lifting. You can also use this in your evening bath for some great stress relief. Germ Fighter Spray is excellent to keep in your car and purse for complete hand sanitizing and to keep the car air fresh. 

8) Make sure that everyone gets at least 8-10 hours of sleep every night. That means in bed by 10:30 p.m. every night. Wear socks on feet in order to eliminate awakenings. Sleep in total darkness and incorporate air purification in each room. Air ionizers are best and will help with allergies and to cut down on sickness.

9) Plan an evening for Christmas caroling in your neighborhood. Invite each family to come along with you to the next house.

10) Adopt a family. Buy groceries, warm clothing, shoes, toys, a Christmas tree, telephone calling cards, etc. Also, if funds permit, offer to pay for a month or two of electricity, heating fuel, gas. etc. After the holidays, continue to gift them by leaving a bag of groceries by the front door every so often. Invite your adopted family to go with your family to church services, caroling or to a Christmas pageant. Invite a college student, who cannot afford to go home, over for Christmas Day. Invite an elderly or single person, who is alone, over for Christmas Day. Involve your children and allow them to experience what true giving is all about.

11) Pick out at least five Christmas movies to watch as a family during the month of December. Provide organic popcorn, hot apple cider and blankets for cozy family-time.

12) Limit the amount of parties, pageants, gatherings that your family will attend in December. Learn to politely say "no thanks."

Remember that we will not have each other forever. Family differences, clashing personalities and past wrongs should be forgiven and forgotten. Learn the art of communicating about what's going on in everyone's life, their hopes and dreams. Try not to participate in "heavy" conversations that can become judgmental. Give out hugs freely. Enjoy Christmas day by including the whole family and extended family in the preparation of Christmas dinner.

Finally, plan some down time Christmas evening. Watching an old Christmas movie (when times were much simpler) in front of the fire with your loved ones will project a calming effect. Or just listening to a favorite Christmas CD in front of the fire with a nice cup of healthy coffee while discussing the events of the season not only makes memories but strengthens relationships.

Implementing the above suggestions will help you and your family to enjoy a memorable stress-free and healthy Christmas season...and hopefully back toward a season of not only peace on earth good wil toward men, but also a season of peace in our hearts, home and family.