Find your focus. The first thing you can do is to focus on what is important to you! Take some time to reflect on your focus for this holiday season. Is it your sanity, your family, your diet, your finances? This focus can even be a goal. Maybe it's to make it through the season tobacco-free, or to give more of your time rather than money. Write down your focus and keep it with you at all times. 
 
Set a realistic budget. Is your focus on not racking up credit card debt? Then make a budget for holiday gifts and food. This can help reduce any last minute spending sprees.
 
Plan your meals. If this is the only time of year you plan out what you are going to eat, then do it now!  The last thing you might want to think about after a long day at work or a long shopping trip is "what's for dinner." So have a plan for simple, healthy meals.
 
Reduce trips. Save your sanity by reducing trips to the store or avoiding as many shopping trips as possible. Try doing most of your shopping online. You can find lots of great deals online that may not be offered in the stores. And many sites offer free shipping during the holiday season.
 
Find what works for you. Taking time for yourself. A warm bath. A good book. A long walk. Find whatever works for you and start doing it NOW! That way, when the New Year begins, you'll feel refreshed.
 
Happy Holidays!

-- Melissa McDonald, Health Promotion Coordinator