While Christmas is supposed to be the “most wonderful time of the year,” it can also be one of the most draining. Cold weather, late nights, extra sugar, and all that “holiday cheer” can leave our bodies and immune systems waving little white flags.

So before you deck the halls (and maybe your calendar), let’s talk about how to actually feel good this season — not just look festive doing it.

Step One: Don’t Let the Weather Win

Cold air, dry heat, and unpredictable temperature swings can make even the healthiest among us feel like we’ve been run over by Santa’s sleigh.

Bundle up, not just because it looks cute. Keep your head, hands, and feet warm, since that’s where you lose the most heat. And for the love of your skin, hydrate! (Yes, water still matters even when you’re not sweating buckets.)

A simple humidifier can also be a game-changer. Your sinuses and skin will thank you. And while we’re at it, open a window once in a while. A quick blast of fresh air helps move out indoor germs and that suspicious mix of pine candle and cookie fumes.

Step Two: Be Smarter Than Sugar

From peppermint mochas to sugar cookies “you only eat once a year,” December has a sneaky way of turning our bloodstream into syrup.

You don’t have to skip the treats…just pace yourself. Try balancing sweets with protein or healthy fats so your energy levels can stay steadier. Drink plenty of water to help your body process all that sugar, and don’t forget your veggies — they still exist in December, promise.

If you’re going to indulge, do it joyfully and mindfully. One cookie enjoyed slowly is far better for your body and spirit than five eaten while wrapping gifts at midnight.

Step Three: Rest Isn’t Lazy — It’s Medicine

Between work parties, shopping marathons, and family gatherings, sleep often gets traded for one more “to-do.” But your body can’t fight off germs or handle your in-laws without proper rest.

Aim for consistency: even if you stay up later than usual, try to keep your wake-up time close to normal. Power naps are perfectly acceptable this time of year. And if you need a “quiet moment” during the chaos, step outside, breathe deeply, and remind yourself: you’re not a Christmas machine.

Stress weakens the immune system faster than you can say “holiday burnout.” Protect your peace like it’s your last gift under the tree.

Step Four: Move, Even a Little

It’s tempting to hibernate all winter, but movement keeps your circulation, digestion, and immune function strong. It doesn’t have to be a major workout.  Maybe you could take a walk to see the lights or dance while you wrap gifts.

Think of it this way: every bit of movement is a deposit in your “feeling good” account.

This Christmas Season…

Take care of your body the way you take care of everyone else this time of year. 

Stay warm. Eat mindfully. Rest deeply. Move joyfully. Laugh often.
And if all else fails, remember: peppermint tea cures almost everything (or at least makes it more pleasant).

Wishing you a merry, healthy, and genuinely restful holiday season.

The post Staying Merry (and Healthy) This Christmas Season appeared first on Lifestyle.

The holiday season is here, and along with it, gift-giving. As lovely as it is to receive a gift, most people say they gain more pleasure from giving gifts than getting them. What better time of year could there be to do something special for someone who can’t repay you than now?

The Message of the Gift

Giving a gift to someone says, “You matter,” or, “You’re special to me.”  

A true gift comes without strings, conditions, or expectations; otherwise, it isn’t a gift. In this me-focused, consumer-driven world of manipulative marketing, authentic gift-giving is rare.  

But it’s really not about the gift; it’s about our thoughtful intention (which is why people appreciate homemade gifts so much).

We don’t give a gift to get something in return or because we’re trying to repay someone for something nice they did for us.  

We give someone a gift for no other reason than because we care, love, and appreciate them.

The Spirit of the Gift

Giving the perfect gift is about adding happiness and joy to someone’s life. But it’s not so much about the gift as it is about the gift-giver. 

YOU make the gift special – the love, care, thoughtfulness, and meaning you put into the gift tells someone how much you think they mean to you. It also reveals what kind of person you are, that you’re someone who is thoughtful, generous, and kind.

Giving the “perfect” gift (if there is such a thing) is about:

1. Enclosing a piece of your heart along with the gift (metaphorically speaking, of course.) 
2. Thinking thoughtfully about the person you’re giving the gift to.
3. Considering their interests, hobbies, happiness, and needs.
4. Listening for clues about what they might want.
5. Getting ideas from friends and family about what they might like.

The Heart of the Gift: Celebrating Them

Since you care about this person, the gift isn’t about giving them what you think they need or should learn to enjoy or an area of their life you feel they should upgrade, necessarily (but, sometimes, it might be one or all of those things, depending on the person and situation).

Your gift can be simple, homemade, or unique from an artisanal shop. Maybe it’ll be a big splurge to help make one of their dreams come true that would remain little more than a wish if it weren’t for you. 

Whatever it is, focus on their likes and preferences and keep an open mind; always remembering that it’s about them, not you.  

The Presentation of the Gift 

Wrap your gift with care; make it neat and festive, whether it’s cheerful, red wrapping paper with pine trees and snowmen, elegant foil paper with a fabric bow, or a gift you put inside a cozy knit stocking. Please put some thought into it and make it special. 

The Emotional Impact of the Gift: A Hug

One of the defining characteristics of the Danish culture is something called “hygge” (pronounced “hooga”), which is a “quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” It’s related to the English word “hug.

A heart-felt gift is giving and receiving a warm, cozy hug.

The Perfect Gift…

It’s rather beautiful when you stop to think about it. Giving a gift is sort of like giving a hug.

The “perfect” gift creates a warm, cozy feeling within the recipient’s heart. 

Gifts such as soft blankets, warm throws, and comfy pillows make lovely warm and cozy gifts in the spirit of hygge! So do presents like candles, lamps, and tealight lanterns. Or putting together a hot cocoa kit for your chocolate-loving friend, along with your favorite yummy cookie recipe that you wrap in a basket with a handwritten recipe and note. 

Please try not to let commercialism and consumerism taint the beauty and spirit of the holidays. We’ve all been through a lot. And times remain difficult for many people. We all could use a hug right now.

If there ever were a time we needed a bit more love, grace, and warmth throughout the world, it’s today. Spread a little holiday cheer this season by doing something nice for someone by practicing and enjoying the time-tested, heart-felt truth that it’s better to give than to receive. 

The post Give Someone A Cozy-Feeling Christmas appeared first on Lifestyle.