Make Your Spirits Bright This Christmas!

'Tis the season to be jolly in­ Alma, GA – but it might also be the season to be stressed out, overextended and downright “Grinch-y!” If you find yourself treating the Christmas holiday like one big ‘to-do” list, here are some tips for putting the joy (and sanity) back in the season.

First, lower your expectations. Blame it on Jimmy Stewart, but most of us think Christmas is supposed to be picture-perfect, with every decoration in place and smiling faces all ‘round. Instead of pushing yourself to outdo Martha Stewart, focus your energies on the one or two things that mean the most to you. Is decorating the tree a highlight? Then forego yet another party to spend time on that activity. If you want to spend more time with out-of-town family members, drop the elaborate homemade breakfast and head to the local diner where you can all sit and enjoy each other (this tip has the added benefit of defusing any of those arguments that annually occur at the family table; they’re less likely to happen in a public place!).

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 for help in preparing that seven-course meal (they’ll be flattered to be involved).

Simplify gift-giving this year with ­gift cards. Experts note that sales of gift cards are expected to be up 25% from last year, topping 35 billion dollars. No surprise there—they allow the recipient to get something they really want, 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.

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!”

Find hotels for the relatives here.

Enjoy a meal out here.

Get the best local ingredients for your feast here.

Find unique gift ideas 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.

·In 1836, Alabama became the first state in the USA to declare Christmas a legal holiday.Oklahoma was the last state to do so, in 1907.

·In 1856, President Franklin Pierce decorated the first White House Christmas tree.

·Famous Christmas birthdays include WC Fields and Charlie Chaplin.

·The ancient Druids are partly responsible for the use of mistletoe at Christmastime. They regarded the mistletoe as sacred and dedicated it to the Goddess of Love.When a boy kissed a girl, he plucked a berry from the cluster and presented it to her. When the berries were gone, so were the kisses.