“December is the toughest month of the year. Others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, October, August and February.”

                                                                             ~ Mark Twain

Ahh, does the above quote resonate with you? I wonder what made Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) write that? It certainly made me chuckle and ponder, especially since these past two years have been so challenging. You know the ‘ole saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.” Not for me! Instead, let’s make December simpler by taking time for some Holiday Zen.

Despite our best efforts, holiday time can frazzle our nerves and snag us in an unhealthy loop of overindulgence. However, we can avoid that pitfall with such strategies as five-minute bursts of exercise, eating certain foods to boost serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, conscious breathing, and guilt-less power naps. I want to nestle in and read a long-awaited novel. There are so many good ones on my list. Check out pages 24-25 where author Marlaina Donato offers many tips for reducing holiday stress.

Yum! Our feature “Low-Sugar Holidays” includes recipes for baklava cookie cups, baked apples, dark chocolate bark and honey lavender cookies! Sugary treats (and alcoholic beverages) are embedded in our holiday traditions, yet they do little to actually make us feel merry and bright in the long run. Sugar causes inflammation, increases the risk of disease and contributes to poor mental health. Exacerbating the problem, many everyday foods like bread and catsup contain large amounts of hidden sugars. See pages 14-17.

Finally, a message we hear throughout the year, and especially during the holidays, is “Buy Local.”  Facing competition from big companies like Walmart and Amazon, our local businesses need your support more than ever. We hope you will “pay where you play.” Most of our advertisers offer holiday gift certificates! This free magazine is possible solely because of their support. No doubt, they will appreciate your patronage!

Need a holiday gift idea? This month of December, we are offering a discounted Annual Subscription to Natural Awakenings for only $20! (normally $33/yr). Each month we will mail a magazine anywhere in the United States. By sharing healthy good news with your friends and family, we will let the recipient know of your thoughtful gift! Just call 407-628-0705 or email: [email protected] to request a mailed subscription.

Sugar-Free Cheers and Happy, Healthy Holidays to You All,