Ringing in the New Year

If you're like me, you're holidayed-out at this point.  After knitting and crocheting Christmas gifts, cleaning the house, decorating, cooking, hosting, and making merry, my fa-la-la-la-la just fa-la-la-la-left.  And there's another holiday coming up just a couple of days away?  I don't think I have it in me for the next one.  I told my husband that Christmas was all about family and friends, but I want New Year's to be all about us--staying at home, relaxing, and having some peace and quiet.

Are you on the same page with me?  Are you in desperate need of some New Year's downtime in the comfort of your own home?  Here, then, are some ideas for things you can do at little or no charge (some with the help of your library and neighborhood perch librarian) to make ringing in the New Year a special one:

• Do a puzzle.  I'm not a whiz at puzzles, but a 300-500 piece puzzle is possible even for an anti-talent like me to complete before midnight.
• Watch a DVD.  Make some popcorn, cuddle up on the sofa, and watch that movie you've been wanting to see.
• Read a book.  I know I'm biased with this one, but you knew I had to say it.
• Play a board game.  Unplug from the electronic devices and play Monopoly, Checkers, Dominoes, etc.
• Take a bubble bath.  Spend some relaxing quality time with a very important person--you!
• Get some takeout.  Take a break from cooking and treat yourself to pizza, Chinese, burritos, or something else that tickles your taste buds.
• Eat chocolate.  Need I say more?

Of course, you can also sit down and write out your resolutions for the following year, but we'll save that discussion for another post.  Whatever you decide to do, have a safe and wonderful Happy New Year full of good reading!

With best wishes from the perch.

Keeping Holly During the Holidays

There's commercialism, controversy over classic holiday songs, and plenty of bah humbug during that most wonderful time of the year.  Some of us are stressed over buying presents, preparing the house, baking cookies, seeing the family, not seeing the family, or just stressed over being stressed.

Perhaps it's good for all of us to take a moment, breathe, and remember some of the lessons we learned way back in kindergarten (courtesy of Robert Fulghum) to help us appreciate and enjoy the holiday season better.

• Wash your hands before you eat.   'Tis the season to be spreading colds and viruses, so make sure you wash your hands to keep yourself and everyone healthy.
  
• Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.  They're not just for Santa!  Just be sure to have them in moderation, okay?
  
• Clean up your own mess.  Whether the party is in your own house or someone else's, keep things neat.
  
• Don't take things that aren't yours.  It's a time of giving, so don't be a grinch.
  
• Don't hit people.  There's never a reason to do this.  Just don't.
  
• Say you're sorry when you hurt someone.  We all say the wrong thing sometimes; apologies mean a lot.  And don't talk about politics.
  
• Be aware of wonder.  Look at how those beautiful, colorful lights dance in the tinsel.  Catch some falling snowflakes on your tongue.  Read a good holiday book or watch a holiday movie from your library.

Enjoy the parties, the people, the food, and yourself during the holidays this year.  Keep them happy, clean, and stress-free.

Happy Holidays and Season's Readings from the perch.