Maranda finds out the latest in holiday decorating from Bronner’s.

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I want to take a moment to wish those of you who have been faithful blog readers a Merry Christmas. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Maranda blogging team this year and have appreciated your thoughts, encouragement and feedback as well! I continue to welcome your ideas and sharing of your personal experiences as we enter into a New Year…

This time of year there are so many moments to take advantage of and memories to create, not to mention multiple parties, people, and treats to enjoy! Along with all of these good things, the holidays can also be a time of experiencing heightened anxiety. I want to pass along some tips that you can practice as you encounter some of the anxiety that tends to creep into the delight of this season.

1. Be aware of how anxiety shows up in you. Your signs of anxiety might be physical (heart beating fast, face getting flushed), emotional (getting weepy or irritable), or cognitive (having thoughts such as “I can’t do this anymore!” or “Get me out of here!”). Knowing how anxiety shows up in you can help you understand how you can take care of yourself.
2. When you feel anxious, accept the anxiety. This might sound strange, but when you recognize and accept the anxiety instead of becoming resistant to it, it will likely begin to decrease.
3. Don’t judge your anxiety. Just because you feel anxious does not mean you are a “bad person” or that you are “weak.” Anxiety is something you experience, it is not who you are.
4. Breathe normally and slowly. If possible, separate yourself from the situation that you are in for a couple of minutes. Slow down. Tell yourself that anxiety is a normal part of the human experience and that you will be able to function with it. Surprise yourself with how you handle these moments…

For more information on behavioral health issues or to seek assistance, go to www.pinerest.org.

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Now that my daughter Sophia is old enough to understand this special time of year I want to start a holiday tradition with her.  Christmas is one of my favorite times of year and it has been since I was a kid.  There are so many things that I loved growing up about this time of year.  Every December, my grandparents would take me, my sister and two cousins downtown to the City Center and we’d eat at the McDonalds, ride the train and then we’d walk over to the Amway Grand Plaza to see the gingerbread houses.  It’s kind of a strange combination of things, but we loved it and looked forward to it every year.

Another thing that’s special in my family is Christmas Eve.  Each year my mom’s side of the family gathers for an appetizer party and open presents.  Still at the age of 29, I bug my mom every year to make her famous mushroom and cream cheese puffs and her chocolate covered toffee I love so much.  I think there is something comforting about a yearly tradition and it’s something you’ll never outgrow and will always be special.

I’m looking for some fun suggestions of things that I could start with my daughter this year.  I’d love to hear about some of your holiday traditions or things you did as a kid you loved………who knows, it may just spark some ideas and become my new Christmas tradition!

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On this week’s show we climbed onboard the North Pole Express for a magical holiday journey!

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