Make it a fun and memorable season

One of my favorite Christmas songs is “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of The Year.” Something about it puts me in a great mood. Yet it seems every year when I start talking to others about this wonderful time, the words “holiday stress” pop up.

Why does stress intrude at a time that’s really about family and friends? The American Heritage Dictionary defines stress as “a state of extreme difficulty, pressure or strain.” It’s the stress of relationships, finances and more. I recently spoke with a woman who said it was the pressure of physical demands like shopping, decorating, cooking, cleaning, traveling and wrapping presents that has her stressed out every year.

This month, I challenge you to be purposeful in enjoying the holiday season—so much so you may even put “happy” back in your holidays. How? Keep it all in perspective and be intentional.

Here are a few insights to consider.

First, we are fortunate to live in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Read any national magazine and see our region is one of the best places to live and work in riding out this recession. We have so much to be thankful for. It’s important to keep it all in the right perspective.

I recently read that having and maintaining the right perspective during crisis—and a season of adversity—can add up to 15 points to your I.Q. One thing we can all do is make a choice to focus on what we’re grateful for, instead of what is missing or worrying about the future. Stress begins in our thoughts. So much of holiday season stress is self-inflicted. Let’s make sure we choose the right thoughts.

Secondly, make it a point to have fun. Why is it the average four-year-old laughs or smiles 400 times a day, but that number drops to 15 times a day by the time people reach 35? Laughter is an outlet for stress. Humor is so important in our lives, but too many people take themselves and life too seriously. Let’s face it: Everyone loves to be around a happy person. Every time you and I laugh we inhale oxygen and exercise our rib muscles. One study on laughter found that every time a person has a good hearty laugh, they burn 3.5 calories and release the same endorphins one gets from strenuous exercise. Who needs to go to the gym when you can laugh your way to health? Ha!

Finally, let’s make it a point to change our attitude on spending and debt. Be intentional about not spending beyond your means. Make your holiday gift list, write out a plan and don’t spend money you don’t have. One of the benefits of these tough economic times is that many people have reprioritized their lives. The holiday season shouldn’t be a time to stress and worry about spending and debt. This time of year should be to celebrate family, friends and faith. What people remember the most about the holiday season is the atmosphere. Was it fun and memorable?

Good eats in 2011

Baton Rouge and South Louisiana are truly blessed with a bounty of incredible local foods. In fact, not a month goes by that something’s not in season—literally. Check out our Fresh Food Calendar in this issue that will help you plan and enjoy all the great fruits, vegetables and harvests our abundant part of the world has to offer.

From the mouths of babes

Our robust movie business means more than spotting celebrities at local restaurants. It means real opportunities for professional careers, even for children. Entertainment editor Jeff Roedel sat down with parents of child actors, movie producers and others in the business for a revealing look into the rewards, challenges and surprises that await the families of children who find jobs in show business.

225 in 2011

As we wrap up another year, I thank you, our readers, once again for creating a robust 225 community. Our mission is to keep bringing you the best Baton Rouge has to offer. I invite and encourage you to stay connected and informed with 225’s various channels by signing up for our weekly e-newsletters.

225Select brings you the best in entertainment. 225Dine provides you with a taste of what’s new and interesting in local cuisine. AvenueRouge, a joint venture with inRegister, brings you the hottest deals and trends in shopping. Plus there’s 225Best Eats, which features special offers and savings from select restaurants.

Find out what’s hot—including exactly when new copies of 225 will drop into newsstands—by following us on Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for any of our e-newsletters at 225batonrouge.com. In January, look for our annual People to Watch issue to find out who’ll be shaking things up in 2011.

Whether it’s through the magazine, home page, e-newsletters, Facebook, Twitter or one of our special events, we promise you’ll discover and enjoy this great community in new and exciting ways. Remember, the BEST is yet to come!