We live in an easy age. The work that many of us do is done sitting down and the chores at home aren’t like they used to be. Power has made life very simple and far less healthy. We are a
bout to enter the Holiday Season. There is a lot to stay away from with regards to food or to at least limit portions but there is also a good way to get some exercise over this busy time. Do the work.
Many of us have succumbed to the enticement of internet shopping for the holidays. Or giving gift cards. This year do the work. Go to the mall or better yet small specialty stores, like The Vine Christian Shoppe in Springfield PA. Choose gifts that reflect your feelings for the person you’re shopping for or choose something that reflects you’re relationship with that person. I recommend this for two reasons, the first you will be getting off your butt and moving and secondly you will help to keep the little guys in business. Most privately owned stores are being crushed by The Walmarts and Targets and Amazons. Don’t let this happen. In fact adapt a store. Find a small privately owned store and only buy the merchandise they sell from them. Support the small friendly stores or they will soon be a thing of the past.
We love specialty foods this time of year. Many of us have succumbed to getting these foods premade so we only have to warm them. This year roast bake and boil everything yourself. There is nothing to compare to a homemade sweet potato casserole or Carmel apples made in your kitchen for Halloween or even popcorn balls. These treats have all but disappeared and none are difficult, we just fell into doing things the easy way. Roast your own turkey and glaze your own ham. You will not only be surprised by how simple these things are, but also how much better they taste.
Shopping and cooking and decorating as well as wrapping and costuming all require energy. Energy used is calories burned. Limit the portions of what you eat and the holiday are a win win situation.
Also schedule yourself. Time is always an issue and it is also a gift so use your time wisely. Start now figuring out what you will do for all the upcoming holidays including Halloween. Make decisions about each project and decide when you will do the work. If you an arts and crafts type or person, go into the woods and collects pine cones and acorn and evergreen branches and form these simple free things into gifts. Collecting what you will use as well as the craftsmanship involved will expend energy and no one dislikes a handmade gift as these are given from the heart.
So this year let’s not look for an easy way out of the upcoming season. Instead let’s pour ourselves into it. It will be both healthy and wonderful.
