Dear Readers:
It’s holiday season again. It keeps coming around like clockwork, doesn’t it? Time to turn your home into a refuge from the stress. It’s like preparing for battle, this having to counteract the crowds, shopping, money issues, cooking, relatives, obligations, and year-end deadlines at work. Well, I managed to exhaust myself just thinking about them. Make your home into a sanctuary before it’s too late.
It’s time to set the mood to de-stress when you enter that front door. Clear the decks. Nothing is more peaceful than clutter-free space. Store all extraneous stuff. You’ll be needing space for boots, hats, gloves, packages, and holiday decorations soon enough. Start now and pace yourself.
Add the special touches that help you unwind to my list. Set out fresh autumnal flowers in your kitchen and on your nightstand. Forget “beach” reading; now is the time to stock up on books to read curled up before the fire. Bring in that firewood for final drying. Why not put on a soothing CD, or some holiday music to get you in the mood?
Each weekend fill your home with soothing smells: heat up a pumpkin or apple pie; bake some gingerbread; simmer some soup or stew. Now, that’s my kind of aroma therapy! The nights are getting chilly. Take the time after work to relax in a hot tub with some funky candles and bath salts. Change into fleecy sweats and comfy socks. Get those down comforters and chenille throws out of mothballs. Plump up those bed pillows. How about some new flannel sheets?
If you must leave your sanctuary to shop, carry a book or Walkman with you to survive the long lines at the register. If you have to travel, treat yourself to a travel pillow and comfy throw for the car or plane; and pack a picnic basket with gourmet snacks. Go in comfort for once, and make the best of a bad situation.
You should have everything in place to help yourself relax before those moments of holiday madness strike. Home is your refuge. It’s all about treating yourself well, when you need it the most. Ah, the holidays. M.A.K.
