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Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, |
| As the holidays quickly approach, most people begin to feel the wave of anxiety wash over and through them. Think: Take a long, deep breath; listen to your heartbeat and count to ten slowly. Instead of letting the wave blindside you, here are several things you can do to keep calm during the busiest season. Give gratitude for yourself and others. Before your loved one(s) walk out the door in the morning, give them an extra hug. With the high level of negativity in the world today, remember who they are to you and why you love them. Let them know. And, don’t be afraid to give yourself gratitude as well for doing a wonderful job at the office or in the field, parenting, grandparenting, volunteering, or whatever it is you do so well. Drive through your local neighborhoods for entertainment. Load your family into the car and bring hot cocoa and popcorn. Don’t want to pay the $20-$30 per car to view the Magic Lights display at Jones Beach? Follow your favorite streets to see which houses have the grandest displays. My partner and I do this every year to get into the holiday spirit. Newsday lists the most visited homes in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Burn your candles and bubble up your baths. I don’t know about you, but I own about ten different holiday-scented candles. Instead of packing them away, light them in your den, bathroom and kitchen for aromatic ambience. Have bottles and those fizzy bubble bath bombs? Let your little ones choose their favorite on a weeknight as an extra treat before bedtime. Use your crockpot or air fryer for a mid-week festive meal. Put a turkey breast with potatoes and your favorite veggies into the crockpot before you leave for the day and set the table so when you get home, all that’s left to do is enjoy dinner. Have a little extra energy? Buy premade cookies and bake them afterwards. Take out all the sprinkles and decorations from last year (they last a long time), and let the kids decorate them. Remember those less fortunate than you. Donate to your favorite charity, volunteer at a soup kitchen, or organize a toy, clothing, or food drive. Help where you feel most needed and appreciated. Although you may not see the reward your gifts and efforts will bring, know that you have made someone else’s day. Wishing you and your families a Happy, Healthy, and Safe Holiday Season! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 