The idea of giving and/or receiving the “perfect” holiday gift can evolve over time, depending on where we are in life. In my twenties, for example, receiving (or giving) health or wellness-themed gifts were the furthest thing from my mind. I remember eagerly unwrapping the first Christmas gifts from my then-boyfriend of six months. What […]
Surfing the Holiday Blues: 7 Tips for Coping with Holiday Stressors
December. Christmas. New Year’s. (And let’s not forget my birthday, December 11th, two weeks before Christmas…haha!) It’s the most wonderful time of the year…right? NOT! …for so many Americans. The holiday season is aggressively marketed as a Hallmark fantasy. A beautiful Christmas tree. Twinkling lights and mistletoe. Picture-perfect parties. Mouthwatering Christmas food porn. Joyous family […]
Could It Be Christmas Tree Syndrome?
As someone who has year-round allergies—pollen, ragweed, mold, dust, pet dander (especially cats and horses), nuts (specifically, walnuts and almonds), MSG, food additives and preservatives—I was distressed to add yet another allergen to my already long list: Christmas trees. Yep. I refused to believe it…at first. But when I had a whopping allergy attack—on Christmas […]