Ah, the delights of the holiday season! Parties, shopping, gifts, decorations, sweets, greeting cards, relatives, special events and celebrations … so much to look forward to. But on the other side of the anticipation and excitement is the stress that comes with wondering, How in the world will I get it all done?

Well, this year I have decided to create a paradigm shift concerning the holiday list, and I’ve developed a personal manifesto for making my holidays bright (but keeping it simple) during this season of joy.

Rather than going through an angst-filled process of deciding which holiday party to attend, I will focus on the ones that I’ll enjoy the most, and I will attend only those special events that celebrate causes that are important to me.

I will make a special effort to discover what my friends and relatives really want as holiday gifts. (Tip: You may find inspiration in this issue for what to put on your wish list!) But if they say they want for nothing, I am going to take them at their word. I will not fret about wrapping paper and bows, either. Gift bags are just as beautiful.

I love greeting cards, but I have made up my mind that if they don’t get done this year, that’s OK. I can always buy the cards with the “Season’s Greetings” message. Those I can send until the end of January.

In lieu of baking goodies, I am going to buy them. Truth be told, I hate cooking. Spending time in the kitchen to create high-calorie treats just doesn’t make sense to me. So, I will use that time for other things, and I will not sweat the calories until after the holidays — when I can make great use of our January “Focus on Fitness” issue.

I will concentrate on the spiritual elements of the season. I will practice centering and meditating to bring more harmony into the tortured elements of my life, and to more often show those who love me the very best that is in me. I will take my lead from this month’s “Health Matters: Soothing Speech” feature, which provides a valuable perspective on the healing power of words.

Most of all, I will wish you, our readers, all the delight and love that you can stand. I pray that you rid yourselves of some of the stress surrounding your to-do lists, and just experience the peace that should come with a holiday season that revolves around giving thanks, making memories, and sharing love.