Here are twelve ideas for less stress and more connection in your life.


Sidestepping the modern, commercial frenzy that overtakes many of us at any time of the year. The sinter solstice is the rebirth of the sun into the spring cycle, when sleeping consciousness blooms from dormancy. Life connects with the subtleties of each season.

• Have a very happy un-holiday any time of year: Plan a holiday of your own that has nothing to do with any of the other already man-made holiday seasons. Surprise someone with an unexpected gift. Make you whole life a celebration of living and giving.

• Feed the Soul: Chopping vegetables takes time and forces you to be in the moment of what you are doing. You have to be right there and no where else. Like gardening takes patience and allows you to be in the moment of planting and cultivating the soil to what you want it to be.

• Share in your own values: If you feel you are not bringing forth your own values and are following someone else's, try bringing in your own at a family get-together or meal. If you don't eat meat, bring an all veggie dish. Or better yet a tofurky, which is a turkey made completely of tofu. Bringing your own values into other values allows for a more comfortable feeling with everyone.

• Give more of yourself: When you donate or help out the needy it gives more back than just your contribution. Your soul is cleansed as well. When it is someone's birthday or even at Christmas, instead of giving gifts, give to a local charity in that person's name. It will bring more to your own being more than the person receiving the gifts.

• Buy less overall: If you concentrate on what's the most important thing during the year the answer to this is clear. Buying less and still giving more in terms of yourself during the holidays it will cause less stress in yourself and everyone around you. Cook a dish or hand make something for that someone special instead of rushing out and purchasing something straight off the shelf.

• Expect less in the long run: If you have an unrealistic view have house your relative should behave that is always setting your own self up for disappointment.

• Don't set yourself up for obligations: Stop busying yourself with activities that don't fulfill you in the long run. Don't send out cards, don't bake cookies or treats if YOU don't want to. Be sure and remember why you are where you are, because of your family. So enjoy them, not the things you send them or the things you bake for them.

• Make your mind flexible: Don't try to do it all. You are one person, not the only person.

• Off the thanks: Be thankful for everything and anyone who does anything for you. Whether it's not something you would have done yourself, still be thankful they thought of you in the long run.

• Turn up the music LOUD: Song is for celebration, enjoy it, no matter where you are. Be thankful you are one of the lucky that can hear how wonderful the tunes really are.

• Act kindly whenever people aren't expecting it: When you are shopping, when you are walking the dog, a random hello is always a nice, inviting gesture.