A few weekends ago, ”Saturday Night Live” host Christina Applegate opened the show with a catchy song dedicated to the time before the holidays. I couldn’t help but laugh – partially because it was incredibly funny, but more so because it was absolutely true. October is a wonderful time to just enjoy the beautiful weather and time to do as you please before the expectations and busy schedules take control.
2. Indulge in activities on the weekend that you enjoy, and don’t feel guilty about it. Often schedules during the holidays take on a life of their own attending family and friends’ events. Plan a few weekends to just relax or even to get out of town and visit a site or city you’ve been looking forward to before the holidays arrive.
3. Visit local autumn releases at area wineries to stock up. Here in the Walla Walla Valley, the more than 100 wineries have autumn tastings which offer a great opportunity to step inside tasting rooms so that you can hand-pick exactly which wines would be perfect for those upcoming holiday events – whether it be to serve with dinner, pair with appetizers, or bring as a hostess gift.
4. Follow a simple, yet consistent exercise regimen. Hopefully you are following an exercise plan already, but just in case you’re not, create a plan that is simple (walk every day for 20 minutes for example) and will be even easy to follow no matter what the weather or schedule has in store. Not only will it keep your waist trim, but it will ease tension and stress as well.
5. Know your budget and stick to it. The time after the holidays can often be called a financial hangover, but it doesn’t have to be the case if pre-planning before this busy time of year is done. Prior to all of the gift lists and other traditional expectations, figure out what you can and can’t afford and stick to it without apology. Remember time together is far more memorable than an extra gift in your stocking.
Author: Shannon Ables Photo: The Lane
