I recall a time, not too long ago, when the holiday season started the day after Thanksgiving and ended abruptly the day after New Year's. Five weeks of merriment, laughter, cheer...and food.

Lots of food.  This year I noticed that starting in early October, Whole Foods and other markets were pushing pumpkin shaped cookies, cakes made to look like goblins and a vast array of candy.  The entire celebration of the fall and winter holidays had started early, and along with it, the suggestion of consumption.  Not only the consumption of calories, but of material goods to celebrate the season.  But what season? The Halloween season?  What was once a few weeks of reverie has turned into three months of gluttony...or perhaps better said, three months of unhealthy temptation.

The holidays (let's call them the Winter Holidays to be specific) can be a stressful time of year. This is not news to anyone who has struggled with travel, shopping, cooking, holiday parties, crowds, traffic, looking after loved ones, etc.  The responsibilities are vast.  The rewards, of course, are a way to show friends and family how much you care about them and to create lasting memories.  For too many of us, we forget about taking care of ourselves...of recharging and revitalizing.

This year, I would like you to make Pura Vida a part of your holiday tradition.  As important as it is to insure that the lights are up and the stockings are stuffed, you must make it a priority to take care of yourself.  If your plans are to spend part of the day shopping, take one hour to stop by the club to recharge.  If the weekend is full of holiday parties and commitments, carve out an hour for yourself to get away and re-center.  If the season gets to be overwhelming, let us take care of you in the spa with a hot cup of tea and a customized treatment. 

The Pura Vida staff specializes in taking care of you.  Whether it be an hour with one of our fantastic trainers, or a half a day being pampered in the spa, our goal is to make your time at Pura Vida specifically for and about YOU.

The gift of good health (mind, body and spirit) is indeed a gift.  We thank you for allowing us to be a part of your healthy lifestyle and wish you the best and happiest holiday season.