I’ve always loved the holidays. I love the music, the pretty decorations, the lovely greeting cards. But that doesn’t change the fact that I usually end up stressed and exhausted around this time of year. So I thought, why not write an article about it? So off I went to surf the Net and come up with ideas. When I was done, I felt more depressed than ever. All I found was a slew of articles that did nothing to lift my spirits. Articles that talked about setting budgets and avoiding alcohol. Really? What kind of advice is that? Here’s what I think:
1. Avoid malls at all costs. There’s a reason everyone is so cranky around the holidays. They’re all shopping…at the same time! Venturing into that churning mass of noise and commotion is a sure way to dampen your spirits and make you say, “Bah, humbug.”
2. Curl up in front of the fireplace with a good book. The holidays are touted as being a period of peace and cheer, but quite often the opposite is true. We’re so busy rushing, we don’t take a moment to relax. That hour or two spent with a book may very well save your sanity.
3. Pamper yourself. Sometimes, we’re so focused on finding the perfect gift for others, we forget to take care of ourselves. Get a facial or a manicure, treat yourself to a massage, take a long, hot bath—anything that helps you relax.
4. Chocolate, my personal favorite! It never fails to cheer me up. As for the extra calories, chances are I’ll be hitting the treadmill after the holidays anyway, so why not make the most of it?
5. Party with people you actually like. Tall order, I know, but nothing ruins the holidays like sitting through a long, excruciating dinner hosted by Cruella De Vil. Everyone has a Cruella in their family, don’t they?
6. Exercise. That means you can have more chocolate (see number four above).
7. Keep your cool. People can say dumb or nasty things at family get-togethers, especially after a few drinks. Try to let the comments slide. In the event that you absolutely have to respond, you could always ask them what their foot tastes like.
8. Keep conversations light. Avoid controversial topics, like politics or a recent divorce. Talk about the weather. The weather is safe.
9. Did I mention chocolate?
10. Purchase gift cards. Why spend endless hours scouring the stores for dozens of gifts people will most likely end up returning? A gift card is sure to be used and appreciated. Plus, it limits your time spent at the mall.
11. Drink plenty of orange juice. Nothing kills the holiday spirit like the holiday flu.
12. Take a trip, preferably somewhere down south where people decorate palms trees and where Santa wears Bermuda shorts and rides a surf board instead of a sleigh.
13. When all else fails, there’s always wine. Remember that bottle you bought for that family get-together? Pop the cork and enjoy! Bring fruitcake to the party instead. Cruella will wolf it down, when she’s done skinning her guests.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
SOUL BOUND, DARK SOULS BOOK ONE
RT TOP PICK and 2012 REVIEWERS' CHOICE AWARD NOMINEE!
The one man she wants is the one man destined to destroy her.
Sooner or later we all end up dead. Jace Cutler doesn’t have the luxury of staying that way. After receiving a fatal stab wound, he awakens in a hospital room in Portland, Oregon, with no memory and a big hole where his soul used to be. Worst of all is the glow. Everyone is surrounded by a strange white aura he hungers to possess, none more compelling than the one enveloping Dr. Lia Benson.
Lia has always been ruled by reason, refusing to put stock in such nebulous things as destiny. Until Jace dies in her arms, then miraculously comes back to life. Whenever he’s near, her soul responds and her body burns. And she’s consumed by odd dreams she’s convinced are Jace’s lost memories.
When Lia is kidnapped, Jace tracks her and discovers a shocking explanation for who—and what—he is. Something no longer human, a dark legacy that until now has lain dormant within him. Something that could destroy the one woman he’d sacrifice everything to protect.
To read the first three chapters, click here.
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