Akutan, Alaska holiday events and holiday shopping guide

'Tis the season to be jolly - and stressed out, overextended and downright "Grinch-y!" Here are some tips for reclaiming your holiday spirit (not to mention, your sanity).

First, lower your expectations. Forego the Martha Stewart thing and focus on the one or two things that mean the most to you, like decorating the tree or having your annual "open house" party.

Time management experts suggest you make a list of all the things you think you "need" to do for the holidays - and drop at least one of them, guilt-free. That old college roommate will survive without your Christmas card on their mantel. And now is the time of year to ask for help - get the kids involved in baking cookies or wrapping gifts; ask your aunts to pitch in on preparing that seven-course meal (they'll be flattered to be involved).

Create some new traditions for your family by investigating the great holiday events going on around Akutan. Attend a tree-lighting, concert or children's event.

Simplify gift-giving this year with gift cards. They save you worrying over sizes or styles and are a lot easier to ship. Just make sure to read the fine print beforehand regarding any fees, surcharges or expiration rules.

When it comes to gifts for couples or families, consider a single gift - movie passes or a membership to a museum, zoo or arts organization is unique and fun for everyone.

You can also save gas and time by shopping the great local stores in and around Akutan. Start with these links to find unique gift ideas - AND support your local economy, too! Don't forget to purchase a new, unwrapped toy and drop it off at your nearest Toys for Tots location; you'll make a child's holiday one to remember. (And while we're on the subject of helping out, consider a donation of time, goods or money to the many worthy non-profit groups in your area. The economy has hit them especially hard and made it more difficult for them to serve the community).

Finally, give yourself the gift of health by carving out a little time for exercise - even if it's just a brisk walk. This will keep your mood lifted, your cravings for Christmas treats in control and your mental health in check. In fact, think of it as your "Sanity Clause!"

Make everyone - including yourself! - more comfortable: Find Akutan hotels for the relatives here .
Put down that roasting pan and give yourself a holiday break: Find a new restaurant to enjoy a meal out here.
Stumped for what to get your boss or your new in-laws? Find unique gift ideas here.
Earn raves for your feast! Get the best local ingredients here.
Hardworking elves deserve a break. Take a time-out and get pampered here.
"Ooooh!" "Aaaaaah!" "Cooooool!" Find great holiday events, displays and attractions here.
Start digging out the party hats and noisemakers. New Year's Eve is coming too-find fun ways to welcome in 2009 here.

Some other fun holiday facts to impress (or bore) your relatives with as you gather for the season:

* The common abbreviation "Xmas" is derived from the Greek alphabet. "X" is letter "Chi", which, in the Greek alphabet, is the first letter of Christ's name.

* "Silent Night" was written in 1818, by an Austrian priest named Joseph Mohr. The day before Christmas, he learned that the church organ was broken. Determined to have a service with music, he wrote a carol that night, to be sung by choir and accompanied by guitar.


Toys For Tots Drop-Off Locations and Information for Alaska
Dimond Center Mall
800 E Dimond Blvd
Anchorage

Northway Mall
3101 Penland Pkwy # M1
Anchorage

Toys R Us
8600 King St
Anchorage

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Holiday Events around Alaska
Anchorage - Anchorage Jingle Bell Run and Walk - 12/6/08
Anchorage - Christmas Village - 12/6/08
Anchorage - Performance - Christmas 2008 - 12/6/08
Anchorage - Christmas Village - 12/7/08
Anchorage - Performance - TubaChristmas - 12/7/08
Anchorage - Family Holiday Pops - 12/21/08
Elmendorf AFB - Holiday Bazaar - 12/6/08
Fairbanks - Art Walk - 25th Annual Christmas Minis Show - 12/5/08
Fairbanks - New Year's Eve Run - 12/31/08

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