This is my first year doing the blog over the holidays.  So I'm really hoping to help everyone with this crazy time of year.  I was feeling very overwhelmed until Sunday.  Now I feel like I'm rested and more prepared for the weeks ahead.  And the difference was having a day at home to regroup.  And sometimes it can't even be a full day but that is ideal.  Heck a whole weekend is ideal!  The holidays remind me a lot of summer - those 8 weeks that we pack in all of our summer fun.  It doesn't take long to book up and then it's go, go, go and it starts to feel like a job, like something we have to do.  That is where the magic gets lost.  Same with the holidays - now all of the parties, shopping, baking seem tiring when what we'd really like to do is cocoon in front of the TV.

Now that really isn't all that healthy either.  The healthiest people are the ones that socialize, have their support network.  And usually by the time you leave the event you realize it really was a nice evening, lunch.....  There is absolutely a time and place to cocoon so make sure you are planning the times to watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation or the new Shrek Christmas special.  At the same time building some new traditions.  How do you celebrate when the tree is decorated?  How do you celebrate when all of the gifts are wrapped?  Because it's winter it's the perfect time to become a bath diva.  What a way to celebrate - in private behind a locked door with a wonderful scented bubble bath, a magazine and tunes so you can't hear what all the commotion is in the hallway.  Or what about getting your nails done for the holidays?  Maybe it's lunch with your girlfriends?  They probably need some moral support and and an hour to sit.  It all takes effort but really what in life worth enjoying doesn't take some effort? 

I know for me I cannot give up my workouts during the holidays.  They keep me grounded, allow me to destress and give me energy.  Some days I might not feel that into it when I start but pushing through really gives me the sense of accomplishment we all crave this time of year. 

Breaking my projects down helps me begin. 

• I always decorate my upstairs first - it's what most people see if they are just stopping in.  And it's where I spend most of my time.
• Christmas cards - I can't do them all at once - by the 6th card there is no originality left.  So I do the ones going the farthest first and work backwards. 
• I always do all of my Norwegian baking on the same day - it's the messiest (flour everywhere!) so I only have to deal with that mess once.  And the rest of the baking I can fit in here and there.

 
And in the midst of all the chaos make sure you take a moment to notice that the snow is falling - straight down, those big fluffy flakes.  Or that the people sitting around your Christmas dinner table are all smiling and laughing with each other.  Then give thanks that you are healthy and everyone you love is there and can be together.  Stop often and count all of your blessing.  We have so much to be thankful for.

Please share your tips for enjoying the holidays with me.  We can never have too many ideas.  What are your traditions?  What keeps you sane?

Here are a few quotes to help us make it through to 2009:
If you can't be thankful for what you receive, be thankful for what you escape.  Author Unknown

As for butter versus margarine, I trust cows more than chemists.  John Gussow   Nutrionist and educator

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it.   William Arthur Ward

Merry Christmas!!!  Stay healthy!