How to have a happy (and healthy) holiday

By DR. KAREN LATIMER

December is an awful time for the holidays. Can't we reschedule Christmas to a warmer month? Cold viruses, the flu, the stomach bug and all sorts of germy particles are swirling through the air like evil dancing snowflakes. There is so much to do, stress is at an all time high, sleep is at an all time low and people keep tempting me with ornament cookies, take-out and red wine.

The whole thing is a set up for disaster. My little kids are counting the days in number of sleeps; as in, "How many more sleeps until Christmas?" It is how they mark time. I am marking time in number of gifts bought and room left on my credit card. I simply do not have time to get sick, and am actively taking steps to avoid illness. I am also thinking about sleeps, because it helps me remember what I need to do to ensure a healthy holiday.

Focus on the S.L.E.E.P.S. until the end of the year and you will be healthier and happier this December! (Check out the slideshow below for more on what S.L.E.E.P.S means!)