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Holiday Sanity Savers
Kathy Gates

Getting through the holidays with your sanity intact doesn't have to be Mission Impossible. But it will take you being willing to do things a little differently than last year. Isn't that thedefinition of insanity anyway -- to keep doing the same old thing the same old way and expect a different result?
So if you'd like a different result this year --being calm, cool,and collected on Dec. 25 -- here's some tips and ideas to helpyou.

1. Let It Ride
Didn't you ever truly wish that a person would give you exactly the same thing that they gave you the year before? I have. I'm not suggesting the boring Dad-tie routine. But it follows that other people who gush about a gift you've given might like a repeat. Don't think you have to be totally new and creative each year. If you've hit on something great, let it ride.

2. Double Up
There are likely people on your list that don't know each otherand that you don't know that well. Pick one thing that willcover a group of people --service people, hostess gifts,neighbors, teachers, etc. -- and purchase several of them. Fancy cooking oils, candles, books, stationary, picture frames, etc. can all be used in a variety of gift giving. You'll have confidence knowing that you have a gift that works without having to spend hours looking.

3. Pajama Shop
Instead of fighting the crowds and parking hassles, order gifts from catalogs or online and have them sent directly to your recipient. You can either send early and specify that it's not to be opened until Christmas, or wait until closer to the date for delivery. Most companies even offer gift wrapping if you choose it, and a generous return policy. Shop when it's completely convenient to you -- over your morning coffee, in the bubble-bath, or sitting up at midnight in your PJs. Now that would make anybody a happier, calmer, saner Santa.

4. Keep It Earth Friendly
Don't we all have enough stuff? Think "consumable" this year,things that will be used up instead of stashed in a closet or end up in the Spring garage sale. Teenagers love event or movie tickets and seniors on a fixed income enjoy the chance to splurge on a massage or a new restaurant. Ask any single working mom if she'd rather have a new sweater or a housecleaning service. Each year we give lots of gift certificates so we find our own holiday fun in buying a special ornament for that person as well.

5. Ditch the big fat obnoxious stuff
With all those gifts coming and going, and as holiday trimmingsinvade your already crowded space, stress from overcrowding will set in. So before you bring in the tree or start shopping, make a clean sweep through at least the public parts of the house. It's a good time to be ruthless --if you don't love it or use it, store it. Don't panic -- you don't have to give it all away. Just box up it up and shove it into the garage or under the bed. In Jan or Feb, go back through it and maybe you'll decide to donate because you like the more uncluttered feel of your space.
The bottom line is that holiday stress is often caused by youbeing your own worst enemy. If you need help, delegate. Ifyou're a procrastinator, beat it by starting early. Make someroom for the holidays in your space, in your schedule, in yourheart.

About the AuthorKathy Gates is a Professional Life Coach in Scottsdale AZ. Ihelp people deal with the stress of every day living in a moreorganized and efficient manner. Get more information at mywebsite Real Life Coach, http://www.reallifecoach.com/ and sign up for the newsletter.

Holiday Health: Give Get-Fit Gifts
by Louise Roach

`Tis the season to celebrate -- and a time to eat! Most of us gain a few pounds during the holiday season. With family dinners, holiday
parties and gift baskets loaded with goodies, who thinks of staying fit?

Instead of giving a pyramid of chocolate, a basket of tempting treats or a bottle of bubbly this year, why not be different? Give your
loved ones a Holiday Health Kit to start out the New Year right.

With so many inexpensive or low-cost fitness products available, it's easy to combine several items into a customized Get-Fit Gift. Louise Roach, marketing director at SnowPack, a New Mexico-based company
that manufactures ice therapy kits, has several suggestions:

"If you have someone on your Christmas list who likes to walk or run, think of items like a pedometer, a gift certificate to your local
running specialty store, energy bars, a water bottle, a portable CD player, books on stretching, sunscreen, and lip balm. Plus an ice pack just in case they overdo it. Put it all together in a nifty duffel bag and you have a very thoughtful gift.

"Maybe someone you know needs motivation to get up and get going. Why not give a `home gym in a bag'? A few suggestions to include are: free weights, a jump rope, resistance bands, workout videos, a yoga mat, a BMI scale, a heart rate monitor, sport drinks, and protein bars. Of course every home gym needs first aid in the form of an ice therapy product to take care of strained muscles. Then wrap it all up in a bright tote bag for giving.

"Several other themes for Get-Fit Gifts could be biking, hiking and backpacking. A visit to your local athletic store can offer many ideas such as a day pack, water carrying system, socks, hats, compass (or GPS system), utility tool, first aid kit, a spa product and destination books."

With a little creativity, you can put together healthy, useful gifts that will be well appreciated throughout the New Year.

About the Author
Louise Roach has been instrumental in the development of SnowPack, a patented cold therapy that exhibits the same qualities as ice.
SnowPack offers two Body-n-Ice Kits that make perfect Get-Fit Gifts by themselves. They're a great idea for soccer families and active Baby Boomers, plus everyone in between. For more information visit:
http://www.snowpackusa.com