“The Holidays” is a distinctly American phrase which ref-
erences that wonderful stretch of time from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. It’s a time of festivities, holiday cheer and new beginnings. It doesn’t quite feel like The Holidays without being surrounded by the people, the celebrations and the traditions we love. But with the bustle of the season, it’s easy to lose sight of the people that matter most. Here are six ideas that make it easier to stay in touch with those important individuals in your life and enjoy the holiday season: teer at the local food shelter, places Make a Resolution of worship or nonprofits. There are The beginning of the year is a great always opportunities to help out time to remind yourself to do better at keeping in touch with the people and bring extra cheer. you love leading up to the next holTurn Your To Do List into iday season. Make a list of people to put next to your computer, buy an Adventure The holidays come with a mile- birthday cards in advance, or set a long to-do list – shopping, send- reminder on your calendar to call ing cards, wrapping gifts, mailing your friends. Whatever it takes. gifts – but each one of these can be turned into a social activity. Host a My final advice… If you’re “going wrapping party and have everyone home” for the holidays, think about Send Mail to Friends bring a different type of paper or who you’d like to see in person. If & Family write holiday cards together with a you’re staying put, think about who Reach out to old friends – and new! bottle of wine or two (start with the has meant a lot to you that you’d like to spend the time with. Make a card for Aunt Sally whom family cards first). you haven’t talked to in months, Gather addresses early to get cards write a letter to your favorite high Schedule Time to Relax school teacher, or send a care pack- There’s no better way to relax than out in time and instead of looking age to your best friends. There are to actually build time into your at your to-do list as a burden, think all sorts of sales, cards and adorable schedule. Invite someone over to about how you can turn it into an holiday stamps you can buy to help watch a favorite holiday movie adventure instead. you out. (any other Love Actually fans out there?), invite a friend over for hot So enjoy the bustle of the holidays. Bring People Together chocolate and to read together, or Take some time to enjoy the pumpIf you have a group of friends from find a partner to run with to help kin lattes and peppermint mochas. college or your first job nearby, con- keep off the holiday pounds. What- And don’t forget to stay in touch sider planning a brunch or dinner. ever relaxing means to you, share with the people you love, because if you can’t say how you care during You could also bring people togeth- the joy with someone else. the holidays, when can you, eh? er for a cause by signing up to volun-
Host a Party This is a great time to host parties, be it a Friendsgiving, cookie swap, gingerbread house making soiree or New Year’s Eve party. If you’re feeling fancy: cook a meal, decorate the house and send formal invitations. If not, send an evite, have everyone bring a dish, and use your nicest paper plates-- the point is to spend time together, the perfect setup comes in different packages..