Being alone for the holidays is a major challenge for many people. Holidays often conjure images of family, of warmth and the sharing of special time. Loneliness can be overwhelming when you have no one with whom to share holiday time.

Many people, however, miss the point of what holidays are really about and what makes them special. Holidays are not about what you GET they are about what you GIVE. Many people are under the misconception that the joy of holidays is about what you receive rather than about what you share. Our hearts get filled with love when we give and share love, rather than from getting love.

This may seem like a paradox. Many people spend their time with others attempting to get love, attention and approval, thinking that this is what makes them feel happy and worthy. But getting attention from others to fill ourselves is like eating chocolate when you are lonely it works for the moment but then you need more and more of it. Eventually it becomes an addiction.

What really fills the emptiness is the giving of love. If you are alone over the holidays, the question becomes, How can I give love in ways that will bring me joy?

Below are some suggestions for sharing your love and caring over the holidays:

* Gather toys from friends and store donations and bring them to children who would not otherwise have toys. You can find these children through schools, churches and various other organizations.

* Find a battered womens shelter in your area and help to create the holiday there preparing food, decorating the tree, and just spending time with them. Last year a friend of mine organized a number of her local markets to donate food over Christmas to the local shelter that housed mothers and their children who had left abusive husbands. She got to know the mothers and children and received great fulfillment in providing them with an abundant Christmas.

* Spend time with old people in nursing homes, especially those who have no family. Spending time caring about another lonely person will go a long way toward taking away your loneliness!

* Volunteer to help with serving food to the needy over Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many churches and other charitable organizations welcome volunteers to help in food lines over the holidays.

* Locate a retreat center near you that has a special event over the holidays and share your time with other people who are also alone for the holidays. Last year a friend of mine, who had just left her husband and was alone for the first time with no family around her, went to a beautiful retreat center on the East Coast. Twenty people gathered there to share Thanksgiving together. There was a wonderful ceremony of gratitude that she said filled her heart, and she enjoyed sharing time with new people.

* Find a church, temple or 12-step group in your area that has special events for singles over the holidays. Go to these events with the intention of sharing your caring with others, which you can do just by being interested in listening to another person. We all love being listened to and understood, and all of us have the capacity to give this to another.

One of my all-time favorite movies is A Christmas Carol, the one starring Alistair Sim. I just love the scene on Christmas morning when Scrooge realizes that no time has passed and he has the opportunity to give. He feels such joy at the prospect of giving, that he can hardly stand it! He dances around and stands on his head and laughs and laughs with the joy of giving! In one night he went from being a miserable old man concerned only with getting, to a man now focused only on giving, and he became a joyful person.

While you might not have money to give, we all have caring to give. You have no idea how much you might enrich your own life as well as another persons life just by giving your time, your attention, your interest, your smile, your understanding. Whatever your life circumstances, you always have the opportunity to give your caring. You will discover that giving your caring to others, especially over the holidays, is a profound way of caring about yourself.

If ever there were a “bigger is better” holiday, it would have to be Valentine’s Day. A dozen red roses are nice, but three dozen red roses with baby’s breath and an ornate vase is something really special. For this reason alone, Valentine’s Day gift baskets take the cake, so to speak. Most Valentine’s Day gift baskets are available in several sizes and can be sent with flowers, balloons, teddy bears, or just about any other expression of love. Best of all, Valentine’s Day gift baskets aren’t just limited to chocolates, although chocolate is one of the most popular products for Valentine’s Day.

From luxury perfumes and spa products to gourmet foods and candies, there is no limit to the choices available when choosing a Valentine’s Day gift basket. Many gift basket retailers take great care to put together Valentine’s day gift baskets that are filled with products designed to make this very special holiday a memorable one.

Take it from me, gourmet food gift baskets with flowers are an exceptional gift to send to your significant other at his or her workplace. Flowers always score points on the “love scale”, especially in front of someone’s coworkers, but including a chocolate or gourmet food gift basket will be something the entire office can appreciate. There is no better way to turn them from envious to appreciative, and it will bring everybody by your loved one’s desk to stop and smell the roses.

Today’s Mexico is still a land of deserts and mountainous plateaus; the smoking volcano of Teotihuac?n near Mexico City is echoed by nearby pyramids all the way down to the tropical wonderland of the Yucat?n Peninsula. But it’s also one of the most modern cities in the world. The poverty level in Mexico has been slashed by over a third during the last few years, and their burgeoning trades with other countries are quickly modernizing the country. It may not be long before its equal in stature with the United States.

If you choose to go on a Mexico vacation, you’re certain to find all the comforts you’re used to at home. You don’t have to worry about “drinking the water” today. Though the cities are crowded and traffic can not just foreign, but alien, culture has been exchanged between the U.S. and Mexico for so many years that you will find the people just different enough to be interesting. And while in some ways the U.S. seems tired of itself, Mexico is just the opposite: alive, young, vibrant, and filled with color.

Besides, Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Baja California: The Land’s End

With Cabo San Lucas and Tijuana, one would think that Baja California was developed out. But it is, surprisingly, viewed by most Mexicans in the same way Americans view Alaska: as a remote frontier, untamed and beautiful. But Baja is alien in many ways. It has beautiful expanses of desert walled in by harsh mountain. Lush semi-tropical areas dot the coast, and between them are hundreds of miles of untouched, undeveloped beach and coastline. In Laguna San Ignacio, tourists can view rare California Gray Whales when they migrate here to give birth and start raising their young.

For those uninterested in ecotourism, many of Baja’s populated and more secluded beaches are perfect for baking one’s body to the perfect shade of brown, or to enjoy some of the excellent hotels in this area. Alternately, beach houses and vacation rentals are a great way to spend a quiet, secluded vacation in an undeniable tropical paradise.

Cancun: The Night Life

But your perfect Mexico vacation might be more along the lines of finding the perfect cantina to sit and listen to music while looking at the other beauties Mexico offers. Cancun is the perfect place. With its blue waters and white beaches during the day, it seems tame; but at night, it lights up with the energy and the vibrancy of a very new city; Cancun is only 25 years old, in contrast with the Mayan ruins just a little further inland on the Yucatan Peninsula. Whether you like looking at old stones or tanned bodies, Cancun has much to offer its visitors.

There’s much more to Mexico than its far northwest and far southeast. Thousands of miles lie between Cancun and Cabo, miles filled with adventure and fascination and glorious sights. But you’ll never see it if you don’t go.

Rent holiday home or vacation rental in Mexico and enjoy your stay!

Couch Signature Gallery Pouch
This handbag from Coach is proving to be very popular this holiday season. This short-strap classic style handbag has a zip closure and inside open pocket. It has jacquard fabric with leather trim, is fabric lined, and comes in black, khaki, and red.

Diamond Bracelet Sterling Silver by Ashford
This piece proves you can never go wrong with diamonds. It has S-shaped links and diamond accents. Silver is a good addition to most styles of clothing and accessories.

iPod nano 2 GB MP3 Player by Apple
Unless you have been under a rock lately, you are familiar with the iPod family. This version is in between the small type and full-size iPod, but still holds 500 songs and is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

Satin Drapeneck Dress by S.L. Fashions
This is a gorgeous polyester satin pull-over dress which is available in black, almond, and jade. For any special occasion, it will wow whoever sees you. You can not go wrong with such classic beauty. Its stunning sleeveless design and drapeneck provides a sexy but sophisticated look.

Step 2 Ride-On Motorcycle
A great buy for your toddler, the Step 2 Ride-On Motorcycle will provide hours of amusement for your child, as well as you watching them play. Made of durable plastic, it has wide wheels for stability and easy grip handles.

Snack Attack by RedEnvelope
Food! This assortment includes sweet and salty goodies for all of those Christmas or Hanukkah munchies. With berry-nut mixes, caramel corn, gummy bears and much more, there is something for everyone.

Sony Playstation Portable (PSP)
The ultimate in gaming, this portable device allows for games, movies, playing music, and displaying photos. The great thing is that you have all of that at your fingertips.

Tealight Fountain by Innovage
This beautiful desktop fountain is perfect for the candle enthusiast. With a marble type finish, this piece holds three tealight candles and is calm and relaxing. It is also cordless, so you can set it anywhere.

4 Carat Trillian Cut Green Amethyst & Diamond 14k White Gold Ring by Ice.com
This is a truly breathtaking ring. With a large green amethyst stone, surrounded by diamond accents set in beautiful white gold, you are certain to get a smile out of this gift.

Turkey integrates an internal body of water also known as the Marmara Sea. Located in North-West Turkey, the Uludag Mountain is one of the most well known ski resorts in the area. The coast line of South-Western Turkey on the Aegean Sea, also known as the Turkish Riviera is home to Izmir, the largest city in Turkey. The Turkish Riviera houses many modern styled holiday resorts like Kusadasi and Bodrum.

The most important historic attraction of Turkey is the remnants of Troy that can be found along the northern and central areas of Aegean region. One can see 9 Troys that were built over different periods on top of the previous ones. As all of us know, the very popular and famous historical love story of beautiful Helen and Paris of Troy had caused wars in this region in ancient times. As a reminder of the Troy war lies herein in the form of a replica horse that was used as the final strategy to culminate the war.

Ephesus, also known as the Asia Minor in the Roman times is still evident in this region. The wonderful library that still stands along with the enormous open-air entertainment theatre and the ancient houses alongside the harbor attract great many vacationers year after year and remind us of the civilization that flourished once upon a time. Another important site to visit is the last house of Virgin Mary situated on Bulbul Dagi near Ephesus. This holy shrine attracts thousands of Christians and Muslims yearly. Not far from here is the grave of St. John the Evangelist who is said to have come to Ephesus with St. Mary in her last years.

Vacationers coming to Turkey, especially the ones who return year after year have an option to cut their costs by avoiding expensive hotels and using vacation rentals in the form a Turkey villa, condo, farmhouse, cottage, apartment, hotel or even a Turkish castle as per their needs and requirements. Many Turkish people love to rent out their regular apartments, villas, cottages or condos on a weekly basis due to their basic need of finances.

Many of these vacation rental options come with staff and are available in near proximity to major tourist attractions across Turkey. Moreover, after the new laws of the government has enabled foreign investors to invest in Turkish real estate, making the vacation rentals more popular and available. As a regular vacationer to Turkey, one may contemplate buying a condo or a villa there and renting it out to other vacationers when they do not need it. Added to these new laws, Turkeys progress on the issue of its adaptation into the E.U is being speeded up due to the governments efforts to improve living standard. This is contributing further to the tourism industry by making available more and more foreign owned vacation rentals.

Turkey is evolving and is set to get expensive. Plan your vacation to Turkey today..!

Playa del Carmen

With one of the prettiest beaches on the Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen was the hidden gem of Mexico for years and years. About 10 years ago, the word got out and now Playa del Carmen is exploding. If youre looking for solitude, this isnt the place with cruise ships and so on packing the place during high season. On the other hand, this is definitely the place if you like a lot of resort in your beach vacation.

Playa del Carmen has a lot to offer to visitors. Of course, the beaches are beautiful and I highly recommend you catch the sunrise, which is some of Mother Natures finest work. Staying up shouldnt be a problem since the nightlife in Playa del Carmen is plentiful.

During the day, you can loaf on the beach or head out for some diving in the clear waters of the Caribbean. Should you get tired of the beach, you can head inland for some surprisingly quality hiking.

Cozumel

An island off the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is a slice of Caribbean paradise. With smooth, crystal clear waters, Cozumel has the white beaches you see in the Corona beer commercials. On the island proper, one can loaf on the beach, pursue world class diving or just loaf on the beach. Dolphin petting and sitting in the hammocks of Xal-Hal are touristy, but fun things to do. Although Cozumel is on cruise ship circuit, it maintains the relaxed atmosphere found in smaller destinations in the Mexican Riviera.

Unfortunately, Cozumel was in the news through much of the last week of October 2005 because Hurricane Wilma pounded it. Given a few months, Cozumel will be on the mend and a great location since prices will undoubtedly be low to attract visitors.

If you are planning a visit to the Mexican Riviera area, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are definitely worth your consideration. Personally, I would pick Cozumel in a heart beat.

I reminded her from previous conversations that you cant change the other person, but by changing how you approach this person, you could get a more favorable response. I explained that the minute they walked in the door they would sense her hostility and react accordingly. I suggested that she pretend this is the first time they are meeting. Welcome them into her home and as the hostess, keep the conversation light.

At the same time, she can make wise decisions based on their experience with the misbehaving nephew. She has a right to set boundaries and enforce them if the parents dont. What could she do differently this time since he didnt listen previously to not touch the computer? Traci decided to remove the keyboard from the computer. She also denied him access to the hot tub, which he had damaged the previous year.

I asked Traci why she went along with the suggestion that she have Thanksgiving at her house each year when both she and her husband had to work the day before and after the holiday. Her explanation was that her relatives expected it. Does that mean she is stuck in a rut forever? No! I asked if she had considered going out to dinner. There are plenty of places now where you can have a tasty turkey dinner and more. Traci agreed that the concept sounded like a great solution.

Well, Traci did succeed in letting go of her battle gear and having a good time. The in-laws responded favorably to her relaxed body language, and having to control the obnoxious nephew was much easier because both Traci and her husband enforced the boundaries. They turned a deaf ear to his constant whining.

However, the next year, Traci and her husband decided to recapture the pleasure of the holiday by announcing to the family that they were not going to have Thanksgiving dinner at their house. They were going out to eat. Eventually someone else volunteeredthe in-laws she disliked! All she had to do was bring a dessert. The nephew was happy because he was in his own house and everyone had a good time.

Here are specific examples of how hot buttons are pushed based on the four perceptual styles: Audio, Feeler, Visual, and Wholistic. In each instance the person is operating through his or her Limiting Tendencies rather than Empowering Tendencies. Therefore they are reactive and hope to get a reaction from you. Following each example is a remedy for defusing the situation.

Audio: Uncle Bob is always argumentative. He claims he is just playing the Devils Advocate. But eventually it triggers a shouting match because he is also sarcastic. Uncle Bob wants to evoke a reaction because simmering beneath the surface is anger and hes looking for a way to vent. Once you react, hes won! He now has an excuse to shout to intimidate you. He uses his temper to control others.

Remedy: When you start seeing red, take a deep breath and assess the situation. If you can leave the room, do so to calm down. There is always a reason to go into the kitchen, whether its to check on the food or to get a glass of water. If you feel you would be deserting the guests if you got up and went into the kitchen, change the subject. If appropriate, tell a jokegetting everyone laughing is a great way to defuse the situation.

Feeler: Aunt Jane enjoys being the martyr. The driving force behind her indignation is, After all Ive done for you and this is all the appreciation I get? So she will tell you her tale of woe or all of her worries. Her subconscious goal is for you to feel sorry for her and maybe even wallow with her in her self-pitymisery does love company!

Remedy: Sometimes just quietly listening to her is all she needs. She wants to pour out all her problems and worries. Then steer the conversation to things she has been doing. Sincerely compliment her on her accomplishments, no matter how small. She just wants to feel needed and appreciated. If she offers to help, by all means accept it!

Visual: John is frustrated with his life. Its just not turning out the way he had envisioned it. Subconsciously he wants you to feel as frustrated as he is. He might attack ideas with No, itll never work. Or he might slip into a funk and use the silent treatment: If you dont know whats bothering me, Im not going to tell you. Either of those actions can frustrate you!

Remedy: Realize its a game to control you. Keep that smile on your face when you say, Im really sorry, John, that you arent having a good day. Hope you feel better soon. Then walk away. If its at the dinner table, change the subject or turn your attention to someone else.

Wholistic: For years Chris has expressed resentment that she hasnt gotten her just rewards. She should have gotten that promotion, but then what do you expect? There is a glass ceiling for women! This resentment triggers irritability and moodiness. So sometimes Chris goes off and sulks. With a sour look on her face she withdraws from the others. She secretly likes the thought that others might be wondering whats her problem. Good, let them wonder. When she joins the others for the holiday dinner, she manipulates the conversation so she can impose her opinion about why life isnt fair.

Remedy: Let her sulk. Its not your problem! Otherwise when she becomes negatively opinionated, you can quickly defuse the situation by saying, You are entitled to your opinion. You brought up some points that I will have to think about. End of conversation! Even though you disagree, dont get into an argument with her. You will not win!

If you believe certain relatives will ruin the holiday again because they always do, youre setting yourself up for failure. Youll get what you anticipate. So throw away the battle gear and bring out the good cheer. It is possible to have “Happy Holidays.”

Thunder Bay Vacation Rentals

Thunder Bay is in an area that encompasses part of northern Michigan, called the Sunrise Side. Situated on Lake Huron, this area is known for its wilderness atmosphere and the small islands that dot the area. The Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge protects many of these islands.

Also located here is the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Wildlife Preserve. This preserve, close to the Thunder Bay lodgings in the area, is a great spot for a family vacation. While here, you can visit the Maritime Heritage Center, which houses much information about Thunder Bay and Lake Huron’s boating history. Thunder Bay is also a great area for fishing and taking picturesque hikes. Make sure to follow all the wildlife sanctuary rules, and you’ll have a great time.

Of course, when you are in Thunder Bay, you will need a place to stay. If you are in need of a Thunder Bay rental that is secluded and private, look no further than Hillman, Michigan. Thunder Bay Golf and RV is the spot in this area. This vacation destination is a haven for golfers, as there is a golf course right in the resort, as well as four others located nearby. Thunder Bay isn’t all about golf and related pursuits because you can go on rides to search for hunt and elk. Available for those who enjoy more time indoors is a quilter’s retreat, which lasts four days and three nights, and includes workshops, teaching seminars and demonstrations of the quilting craft. Spa treatments can be added to your quilting package, or any other stay here, making it a great place for some rest and relaxation.

The biggest town/city on Thunder Bay is Alpena, Michigan. If you choose to stay in Alpena, you have the advantage of being located near a town, yet still far enough away from city life. One destination worth taking a look at is the Big Bear Lodge on US Route 23 in Alpena. This lodge has the authentic feel of a northern Midwest cabin, but is also close enough to Thunder Bay that you can walk to the beach! Big Bear Lodge offers remodeled rooms, a continental breakfast and optional tours to make your stay here relaxing and full of fun.

No matter which Thunder Bay vacation rental you choose, you will be sure to have a wilderness filled, relaxing and family oriented good time!

Costs and Atmosphere on the Mayan Riviera

For visitors from North America, the Mayan Riviera is a more laid back alternative to Florida. It can also be cheaper to visit than either Florida or the Caribbean islands such as Barbados or Jamaica.

For visitors from continental Europe or the UK there is the added attraction of the current favorable exchange rate. This can make traveling to the Mayan Riviera a more cost-effective option than visiting Southern Europe over a two-week stay.

Mayan Riviera Ancient Sites

Few tropical destinations have the benefit of the fascinating ancient sites on the Mayan Riviera. At Tulum in the South the ruins are actually right on the coast, so you can admire them from your sun lounger! Other sites of note (all possible in a day) are Coba, Chichen Itza, and, Xel Ha.

Beaches, Diving, Snorkeling and Water Sports

Where does one even start to describe the beaches on the Mayan Riviera: Beautiful white sand beaches with warm ocean water. Warm breezes and your favorite cocktail served at your sun bed – now that’s what I call a holiday! The Mayan Riviera is blessed with the stunningly beautiful Caribbean Sea with all its opportunities for water sports and diving/snorkeling. The island of Cozumel is a real magnate for diving enthusiasts, offering deeper water closer to the shore than the mainland resorts.

Activities and Theme Parks

If golf is your thing, you are well catered for here, with courses in or neat all of the major resorts. For the kids try Xel Ha or Xcaret – Eco-Theme parks that they will love. Shopping is fabulous with many bargains to be had including local crafts. Other possibilities include kayaking, sailing, and horse riding.

Conclusion

The range of possibilities on a holiday/vacation to the Mayan Riviera is simply amazing. The climate and Caribbean Sea are beautiful, the people friendly, and the cost reasonable – what are you waiting for?

The Advantages Of Shopping Early

When you do your holiday shopping early, you will not only find that the prices are generally less expensive, but you are almost guaranteed to find the items you’re looking for in stock. Many times, when you shop for holiday gifts as the holiday approaches, the products fly off the shelves and it can be hard to find exactly what youre looking for. You are then forced to either settle for an alternate holiday gift or you have to shop at another store altogether, but youre still not guaranteed that the item will be in stock there, either. If you want good deals and the guarantee that the merchandise you want is in stock, then start your holiday shopping at least two months in advance.

If you have to shop at the last minute, in the case that someone just came into your life and you want to buy them a gift, then you may be forced to fight the crowds and may end up being disappointed in finding that the items you’re looking for are no longer in stock. However, online shopping is also an option you may want to consider. You can peruse various online stores and have your order shipped to you in one or two days. Be prepared though, it is going to cost a lot more for rush shipping, but at least you know your holiday gift will get there in time.

Shopping Early Reduces Stress

If the reasons mentioned so far aren’t enough to convince you to do your holiday shopping early, then maybe you’ll be more inclined to shop early for health reasons. If you do your holiday shopping early, it will be a lot less stressful on you. Two of the top stressors in our life are time and money. By doing your shopping early, you can reduce these stresses because youll probably spend a lot less money than you would if you wait until the last minute. Also, you’ll save time because you won’t have to wait in long lines at the checkout, or run from store to store searching for a specific item that is sold out. You also don’t have to worry about fighting over the last item on the shelf and youll also have the peace of mind in knowing that you can gradually shop throughout the year instead of spending all your money at one time. Unfortunately, most of us are procrastinators by nature. Try shopping early one year, and find out what it’s like to get it done early. You’ll be amazed at the difference.