Deck the halls with boughs of jolly

By Christine

Good humor can soothe your soul during stressful times. With a few helpful hints, you too can find joy during the holidays.

• Breathe in the smell of baking cookies.
• Purchase what you can online to avoid long lines in stores and at the post office.
• Walk slowly on purpose.
• Don't wait until the last minute to do your holiday shopping.
• Smile and wish "Happy Holidays" to someone who looks like he needs it (the busy cashier, a traffic cop, your neighbor.)
• Limit the number of parties you attend.
• Make up a new holiday song, such as "On the first day of Christmas my in-laws gave to me…"
• Use paper plates to avoid piles of dishes.
• Regain perspective by taking a five minute time-out for yourself.
• Watch your favorite holiday movie, even if it isn't your kids' favorite.
• Give to others. Donate food, clothing, toys or your time to a favorite charity.
• Light a candle in remembrance of someone you love who cannot be with you.

Christine is an American author and freelance writer living near Munich, Germany, with her husband and two children (Jackson, 4 and Sophia, 6).

Comments

[Mary]

Nice list.

Online shopping is definitely the way to go. What a luxury to have something delivered right to your front door! You don't even have to schlep it from the store to the car to the house. I love online shopping! (Could you tell?)

Thanks for the tips.