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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 23 5 clown around During the holiday rush try not to schedule every free moment. "By pursuing pleasure in her life, a woman can not only enjoy a more fulfi lling life, but in the process increase produc on of oxytocin, a hormone crucial to lowering stress hormones," Griffi n says. Go through your calendar and block out 15 to 30 minutes each day to do something just for your personal enjoyment, like a mani- cure, lunch with a friend, yoga, a nap or reading a book. 6 juggle less Planning, cooking, cleaning and enter- taining can test even the most talented acrobat. Host a light-hearted appe zer party instead of a serious dinner soiree. Choose menu items that can be prepared ahead of me or have the event catered to make it easier for you to enjoy the fes vi es along with your guests. "Take a break, be kind to yourself." rely on your 7 "Ask for help! Get your family to help with cleaning up at home. Or, if you can, hire a cleaning person," Moscoe says. "Take a break, be kind to yourself. There will always be something to fi nish—that's life!" For casual par es, prepare the main dish and ask your friends if they can bring side items or desserts. safety net 8 revel in the moment Duck out of the buzzing fl uorescent lights and long lines. Take an evening stroll to breathe in the cool December air and admire the holiday lights illumina ng the streets. Allow the movement to calm your mind without further stressing your body. 9 feed yourself right Hunger and exhaus on can bring out the ger in anyone. Eat wholesome, good mood foods with protein for energy. "Don't bring extra cookies or chocolate into the house in advance of the holidays," Moscoe says. "This will make you cranky, red and cause fl uctua ons in blood sugar." 10 10 plan for Keep tricks up your sleeve for managing those last-minute gi exchanges. While running er- rands, purchase small gi s that you can stash. And, go ahead and store those extra cookies in the freezer for drop-in visitors. 11 simplify decor If holiday decor makes you sweat, swap me-consum- ing and expensive lights and ornaments for homemade decora ons. Try making luminaries with your kids. Draw a star or tree on a lunch-size paper bag. Punch holes into the design and fi ll the bag with sand. Place ba ery- charged tea lights inside the bags and line them up on your porch or driveway. surprises 12 focus on the Carefully consider what makes the holidays special for you and your family. Ask your kids, too. Their answers may surprise you. Perhaps they'd like to try building gingerbread houses this year or want to spend a toasty evening in their pajamas drinking hot chocolate and watching seasonal movies. Most of all, resolve to bring your holidays from over the big top to just right for you. Even one small change can make all the diff erence between anx- iously coun ng the days un l the show is over to living in the moment while celebra ng more peace and joy with your family this season. magic