How This Book Is Organized 1
Icons Used in This Book 2
Where to Go from Here 2
Chapter 1: Getting in the Holiday Mindset 3
Avoiding Holiday Stress 3
Surprise! Cleaning Your House for Unexpected Guests 6
Stocking Up on Christmas Spirits 8
Chapter 2: Surviving Holiday Shopping 11
Dealing with Gift Expectations 11
Making Your Own Gifts 15
Chapter 3: So You Want to Have a Party? 27
Deciding What Kind of Party to Have 27
Choosing a Date 29
Sizing Up Your Space 30
Planning Your Guest List 31
Inviting Your Guests 33
Chapter 4: Cooking Up a Storm 35
Planning Your Menu 35
Greeting Your Guests with Quick and Easy Appetizers 36
Serving a Salad 37
Making a Main Course 37
Preparing Side Dishes 40
Indulging in Dessert 43
Chapter 5: Making Your Party Shine 47
Developing the Right Attitude 47
Preparing an Action Plan: It’s All about the Lists 48
Setting the Mood with Music 51
Being a Good Host 51
Chapter 6: Returning to a Positive State of Mind 55
Lifting Your Post-Holiday Spirits 55
Regaining a Positive Outlook 56
Letting Your Actions Speak Louder Than Words 58
Developing Closer Social Ties 60
Relaxing after the Festivities 61
Chapter 7: Feeling as Good Physically
as You Do Mentally 63
Getting Fit — No Time Like the Present! 63
Giving Yoga a Try 66
Striving for a Relaxed Body and Mind: Meditation 68
Chapter 8: Ten or So Holiday Do’s and Don’ts 71
Do Make Yourself a Priority 71
Do Take Time to Ask about House Rules
or Make Them Clear 71
Don’t Be a Hero 72
Do Let Social Media Help You 72
Do Stick with What You Know 72
Do Unwrap It Already 73
Don’t Expect to Attend Every Party and Event 73
Do Be Reasonable When Planning 73