Released on = December 1, 2006, 9:57 pm

Press Release Author = Victoria Cook, The Guilt-Free Coach

Industry = Consumer Services

Press Release Summary = Enjoying a guilt-free holiday season isn't just about
avoiding carbs and sugar-it's about the ways in which you spend your time and how it
makes you, and those around you, feel. Avoiding holiday guilt is easy when using the
Guilt-Free Coach's 10 easy tips.

Press Release Body = Enjoying a guilt-free holiday season isn't just about avoiding
carbs and sugar. It's about the ways in which you spend your time and how it makes
you, and those around you, feel. Avoiding holiday guilt is easy when using these 10
easy tips:

1. Keep yourself energized so you skate through the season by giving yourself the
gift of time.add appointments to your calendar (and KEEP them) for enjoying your
hobby, pampering yourself, a special date night with your sweetie, or just curling
up by the fireplace to read a good book. Anything that will rejuvenate your energy
and spirit so you have more of it for giving others.

2. Ditch any holiday traditions you or your family don't enjoy like a bad fruit
cake! Replace them with ones that offer joy, laughter and meaning for all.

3. Get into the spirit of the holiday not the consumerism of the season by making
someone else's holiday special. Visit an aging relative you haven't seen in some
time, bring lunch to a new Mom, or volunteer at a local shelter.

4. Ideally, spend time with people whose company you enjoy and who increase your
energy. Take steps to avoid or limit your time with energy draining family and
friends. When difficult gatherings are inevitable, pre-charge your energy levels
before the event (see #1) and do something fun or relaxing after, like meeting a
friend for coffee or sitting in a candle lit bath. Sandwiching the less pleasant
event can make it more enjoyable, and helps maintain your holiday cheer.

5. Decide early whether or not you are going to send holiday cards. Make it a
conscious choice not just an automatic response because you perceive it to be
expected. If you desire staying connected but can't seem to beat the 12/24 deadline,
consider sending Thanksgiving greetings or New Year Wishes instead. A plus is your
card/letter won't get lost in a stack with all the others.

6. Eat, drink & be merry - - The holidays are a time for extra sweets and treats. To
combat the added calories, do something FUN each day for the physical you. Make snow
angels with the kids and sing Suzy Snowflake, partake in a snowball fight, or raise
a couple cans of jellied cranberry sauce (you know the ones I mean, they come out
the shape of the can - - I LOVE them) up and down over your head 50 times before you
open them, just to get your blood pumping. Every little bit counts!

7. Feeling stressed trying to keep up with the Grizzwald's when it comes to your
holiday decorating? Cut back on the amount or types of decorations you hang. Try
using non-breakable decorations when children are young or rotate which decorations
you use each year. If a Martha Stewart setting is really important to you, but time
is scarce, consider hiring someone to do the decorating for you.

8. You've worked hard all year and more than earned your time off from work. Take it
and get away or just lay low. Whatever your desire, but turn off the pager, e-mail
account and cell phone. The place will still be standing and the work still waiting
when you return. Your son or daughter won't be 2 or 22 ever again.

9. Own your holiday celebration. Set reasonable expectations and create the
celebration you desire. Don't let anyone talk you out of serving lasagna or tacos if
that's what you crave.

10. Be choosy about accepting invitations to holiday festivities and avoid calendar
clutter. Try alternating attendance at regular events every other year. Having too
many holiday commitments won't necessarily increase the festivity levels. Dashing
through the snow is only fun in a sleigh, so select a couple gatherings where you
can relax and enjoy the time with your hosts and fellow partygoers.

Crank up your favorite holiday CD, dance around the room, and sing with guilt-free
reckless abandon this holiday season!

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Web Site = http://www.theguiltfreecoach.com

Contact Details = Victoria Cook
The Guilt-Free Coach
Phone (847)875-7888
Fax (847)516-2956
Victoria@GuiltFreeCoach.com