Counting down to Christmas we now have ten days left.  I’m sure many of you are at some stage of frazzled, frustrated or just plain fizzled out.  Don’t forget during this season of business to take FIVE!

• First things first!  Make sure you prioritize your activities.  You are only one person, and we all have the same 24 hours in the day.  Don’t sacrifice sleep just so you can make one more batch of cookies.  I know you are thinking about it, but really your health is more important than an extra dozen cookies.
• Invest time in family.  It may be easy to get out of regular family routines, but now is the time to keep up with regular activities.  Most especially keep reading the Word of God.  It’s amazing how easy it is to slip out of good habits with the best of intentions.
• Visit someone who needs to be cheered up.  Being a good friend is the best gift in the world for someone who is lonely at the holidays.  If you know someone whose spouse is deployed, make sure to spend a few minutes with her even if it’s just on the phone.  If you are feeling lonely, it will be a blessing for you too!
• Eat good food.  Nourish your body.  Don’t just snack on the Christmas cookies and other festive foods available throughout the upcoming weeks.  Regular exercise wouldn’t hurt either, and a nice walk will help clear your mind, too.