one hat at a time

We offer up this special streamlined holiday issue as our gift to you. Our one and only article this month encourages you to use whatever hats needed to create the holiday experience you want.

We wish you a season of peace and wonder as we prepare ourselves for another new year.

Play on!

When Holidays Become Horrid Days, Change Your Hat!

When the holiday season finds you overwhelmed and out of sorts, the best gift of all might be a new hat.

No, we're not talking about keeping your ears warm. The hats that can help keep you sane and even jolly are perspectives that are always available to you.

Your list of to-do's makes you feel like jumping off a cliff? Try putting on a climber's hat and focus on finding your next foothold. Even though the terrain looks tricky, one pull at a time will get you through it.

Too many out-of-the-ordinary demands on your time and energy? Control the chaos by calling on your inner police officer. What rules and boundaries do you need to maintain and uphold to keep yourself from climbing the walls?

Dissatisfied that what you've planned and bought doesn't seem like enough? The chef's lofty hat reminds you that you have the power to transform the mundane into the magnificent. How can you personalize, spice up and present whatever you have to give this season, so as to create wonderful moments and memories?

Feeling that family togetherness is overrated? When the behavior of the kids or the in- laws or your sister is driving you round the bend, shine up your trusty halo. Step into the light, where you can see past the irritating trait. How you can infuse the situation with some positive energy? What petty stuff is getting in the way of living each hour to the fullest?

A little blue because the season seems like all work and no wonderment? Go for the beanie with the propeller on top. Let go of having to make it "right" and approach every situation as if it was brand new. Ask how, why and what if. Allow yourself to be amazed.