8. If you can?t afford to pay cash for a gift, wait until next year to buy it. Save for the gift in the meantime. The short term thrill of buying the gift will be more than overpowered by the struggle to pay it off months into the new year.

9. Get out of the house and walk when you begin to feel stress. It will help you calm down and keep off those extra pounds. And it will give your family a break from you!

10. Don?t do guilt ? to yourself and others. Don?t use your expectations of the season as a weapon against your friends and family. Enjoy what comes this season. It may not be what you expected ? it may be better!

And remember ? love doesn?t come wrapped in paper, or tied with a bow. You can?t get it for $19.95 if you call now or for two easy payments of only? you name the price. But love is but in the corners of a small child?s smile, the twinkle of a father?s eye or the drape of an arm across your shoulder. If you are expecting something else, you just might fail to recognize it! How crazy!

Pamela Cole Harris is an editor and writer with 35 years experience. Visit her website, http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com, for her unique view of home decorating and remodeling (and a free monthly newsletter!). Or for original content unique to your website, written especially for your keywords and your audience, visit http://www.pamelacoleharris.com.