Sometimes we tend to forget about the true joys this time of year brings with it. Sometimes we become lost in the blur of the busy malls and the chaos of trying to remember everything that little Suzy and Brian wrote on there Christmas wish list. At the department store check-out line we become confused as to whether or not it was the blue or brown sweater aunt Jenny liked. Ah yes and let's not forget about the food...and the drinks. Everybody has different tastes and if Cousin Larry doesn't have Tia Maria for his coffee it's going to be like cats and dogs.

This time of year always proves to be stressful and never before has that statement been truer than this year. Taking into account the economy and mixing it with a little "I want, I need, I must have" could prove to be catastrophic on your health.

If we allow ourselves to feel the continued stress and pressure of our everyday life and combine it with the hectic bustle of the holidays we will begin to unknowingly do internal damage to our bodies - damage that could be irreversible.

When we become highly stressed our body releases a stress hormone called cortisol. This hormone has been proven to damage blood vessels while increasing our cholesterol, which in turn creates a greater risk for heart disease and stroke. It can also put our internal organs and blood vessels in jeopardy by affecting the way our body distributes fat. Because of this, it is important we know how to de-stress ourselves.

Christmas is a time for pure and utter thankfulness and love. It's about being together with family and friends and enjoying each others company, a time for laughter and reflection. It's the time of year to set new goals and look ahead to a new slate and a new start. But most of all it's about love, compassion, and empathy. Not only for your family but for your 72 year old neighbor who can't shovel their driveway or the young girl at Tim Horton's who got stuck working Christmas Eve. Perhaps even for the people who are less fortunate and don't have the choice of choosing between the sweet potatoes your mom made or the scalloped ones your mother in-law brought.

Through all of what the media portrays with their price slashing commercials and company clearance bonanzas we tend to forget about what is truly important this time of year. Not only do we as parents and leaders to our community become trapped in the greed and shopping frenzy we call the holidays, but it's also our children who tend to follow suit. We must make sure to set the right example and instill in them the true joys and pleasures of what this special time of year is sincerely meant to mean.

Gather the family and sort through the closets combining all the clothing that doesn't serve a purpose. Sift through the cupboards for some perishable food items that you can pack into the van with the kids and clothes and deliver personally to a nearby shelter. This sort of thing shouldn't be looked upon as a chore and getting the whole family involved can be a humbling experience that can bring everyone closer together.

Beyond the snow covered streets and the lit up houses that seem to ooze warmth as you stare out your living room window there is one more thing to remember...yourself! As you lift that snifter glass to your mouth and lay another log on the fire, make yourself a deal. When everyone's gathered around the table and the turkey is being divided and your brother Bill gets out of line by letting something slip out of his mouth after that second Spanish coffee... bite your tongue and take a look around that table. For it is that moment that is truly special and you'll remember for a lifetime.

Take a Load off Sally (De-Stress Yourself)

• Meditate. Relax. Do a crossword puzzle. Get a massage. Diverting your uneasy mind will allow you to sooth symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, intestinal disturbances and sleep disorders.
• The healthier our bodies are the better we are able to handle stress. Exercising will help to alleviate anxiety. Focus on your diet. Magnesium enriched foods such as cereals, bananas, almonds, tuna and Vitamin B6 found in eggs, soy, liver, nuts and mushrooms will help fight stress. Warm milk has high levels of serotonin and seafood will aid in your resiliency.
• Stay positive! Keep a good attitude and express yourself.
• Stimulate your endorphins by eating a piece of chocolate
• Laughter is the best medicine - keep a sense of humor.
• Loose that belly fat! Fat around the abdominal region is haven for cortisol, which in turn will send fat cells rushing through the bloodstream centering on the arteries and heart.

Most importantly stay close to your family and friends this Christmas. Studies have proven that having strong social connections can aid in the fight of disease.