Holiday Guide - 2013

Holiday 2013

Survival

your guide to surviving the holidays!

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE CENTR AL K ITSAP REPORTER & BREMERTON PATR IOT

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HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

Seasons to Remember 15th Annual

Saturday, December 7, 2013 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Featuring the 3rd Annual 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk

City Hall & Downtown Port Orchard

Celebrate the season!

Please join us for FREE, family-fun events: • Elf Movie • SK High School Marching Band • Pooch & Purr on Parade Costume Contest • Christmas Lane Decorated Boat Contest • Choirs and Community Sing-Along • Jingle Bell Boutique – Gift Fair

• Holiday Tree Lighting and Clock Tower Chimes • Arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus • Mary Shaver’s Marionettes performing The Shoemaker and the Elves • Free Hayrides, Crafts, and Refreshments

Presented by the City of Port Orchard and these generous sponsors: Kitsap Bank, our presenting sponsor. Arthritis Foundation - Pacific Northwest Chapter, Brad Page - Caseco, Del’s Feed & Farm Supply, Dennis & Michele Simpson - Santa & Mrs. Claus, Dragonfly Cinema, Fathoms O’ Fun, Jones Tree Farm, Olympic Peninsula Antique Tractor Club, Port of Bremerton - Port Orchard Marina, Port Orchard Bay Street Association, Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, Port Orchard Library, Saints Car Club, Sinclair Inlet Yacht Club, Wave Broadband & Port Orchard Independent

Diary of a holiday ‘cheerbuster’

BY JESSICA GINET JGINET@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM Dear Diary: Today is Thanksgiving and I’m having all 12 cousins over, plus grandpa and grandma, my sister and my parents. I hope the four hams and three turkeys will be enough to feed everyone. I made 10 pies and put the four leaves in the dining room table.

Everyone should be arriving around 2 p.m. so I should have time to take a shower in between making the green bean casserole and the second rising of the dinner rolls.

Dear Diary: Well, Thanksgiving dinner is over. It’s technically the day after Thanksgiving but who cares that I’m doing dishes at 2 a.m. on the next day? I might be able to sleep for 30 minutes or so before I get to the Black Friday sales at 3 a.m. You can never buy enough deals, no matter the personal anguish required to purchase a flat screen TV for $25 or nine dozen socks for $1.99.

Dear Diary: It’s Dec. 1 and I am exhausted. Gwen caught me huddled in a crying heap by the clothes dryer and asked me, “What’s wrong, Mommy?” How could I explain to her that I’m having a nervous breakdown because I forgot to special order the fir wreath in October and when I went to the tree lot, they’re already sold out of the 25-foot-tall Douglas Fir? Why did I wait until the first to buy a tree? Our Christmas is practically ruined already. There’s a gravy stain on the antique lace tablecloth from Uncle John missing his mouth with a ginormous spoonful of gravy and mashed potatoes last year. This might just ruin Christmas. I don’t think I can take another setback. And if the stain wasn’t enough, I promised Tanner’s teacher I would coordinate the third grade holiday party. I also said I would bake seven dozen cookies for the PTA auction and decorate the office for our office party. Now if I could just get more than three hours of sleep a night, I would be golden.

Dear Diary: I should probably wrap the gifts I need to mail. It’s Dec. 7 and I just saw a news story on the morning news that Dec. 9 is the last day to ship gifts parcel post and have them arrive by Christmas Eve; this afternoon we have an appointment with the photographer to take our annual family Christmas picture. Hopefully the photographer can get me the file ASAP so I can order our photo collage cards from Snapfish. Dang.

I just saw another news flash that with the huge amounts of mail being sent, the USPS cautions everyone to get their cards in the mail by Dec. 11 for delivery by the Dec. 23. We’re cutting it close but I think we can pull it all together. After Madison’s holiday recital I’ll have an hour or two for

NOVEMBER 29, 2013

making a gingerbread house. Then I think I’ll have time to sleep five hours tonight!

Hot dog!

Dear Diary: Well, that five hours of sleep didn’t pan out.

I saw a post on Pinterest that had the most amazing holiday themed entryway. So I ran out to Walmart at midnight and purchased a bunch of lights, ribbons and evergreen garland. I was up until 4:30 a.m. creating the perfect entryway. Unfortunately, the family didn’t really notice. But I think I recreated it perfectly. I’m just going to take a quick nap in my car before I have to clock in for work. Madison asked me why I was so moody and cranky this morning while I practically shoved them out of the car at school. I’m not moody! I’m simply trying to give my family the perfect Christmas. And if that makes me a bad person, then I don’t know what else to do. Someday they will appreciate my sacrifices. Someday they will realize that I lined our driveway and rooftop with lights before work at 5:30 a.m. because I love my family.

Dear Diary: I don’t think I can continue. It’s only Dec. 15 — the halfway point — and I’m so tired. I forgot to cook dinner last night so I threw some leftover cookies on a plate and told the family they could enjoy a special Christmas cookie buffet. It was that or a toast buffet. Maybe I’ll do the toast for dinner tomorrow. I have jam and peanut butter and butter ... and cinnamon sugar.

Dear Diary: Total catastrophe. My Aunt Janet sent her RSVP to our Christmas dinner and so did cousin Megan. They haven’t spoken to each other since the spiral sliced ham incident of 2004. I am re-arranging our dinner seating charts so that they are placed far away from each other. I just got an email from my mom telling me that she’s worried about driving on Christmas so she needs me to come by and pick her up at 11 a.m. on Christmas morning and take her home at 6 p.m. She only lives an hour away, so it should work. Maybe I should ask Traci if she can swing by and pick mom up on the way to our house.

Dear Diary: The kids are out of school for winter break.

I’m losing my hair in clumps and having heart palpitations. Maybe I’m stressed out.

Uncle Bill has just called to inform me he is now a raw food vegan so he won’t be able to eat any of the usual fare and could I please accommodate his new dietary restrictions? I hate the holidays and I can’t wait until all this torture is over. Tonight is our office Christmas party so I will work late and then go straight to the party for an hour. Then I have to rush back home and take the kids on a drive to see all the Christmas lights and decorations in the SEE DIARY PAGE 7

NOVEMBER 29, 2013

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

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Looking for something different? Try this Top five tips to survive your holiday shopping

BY SERAINE PAGE SPAGE@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM

Y

S

ou’re checking your list once, you’re checking it twice, and you still can’t believe that you haven’t found something for everybody, both naughty and nice. The mall isn’t on your top 10 places to visit during the holidays, and you don’t want to look on hundreds of websites to find the perfect items. Fear not, and shop local, which will save you time, money and the hassle of fighting over that last video game that your kid wants.

With a little outside-the-box thinking, you’ll be able to check off everything on your list in one sweep. You might be surprised how much fun you have doing it, too.

F

tore owner Dave Bartelheim knows a thing or two about shopping. As the owner of A Little Bit of This and That, Bartelheim spends a good portion of his week scoping out deals for his own shop, which features gently used trinkets and treasures. Here’s the bargain shopper’s top five tips for getting the best deals and finding exactly what you want.

1. LOOK FOR THE VALUE

BEAUTY IN A BOX OR ENVELOPE:

or the beauty product junkie in your life, there’s plenty of options to make the diva you know happy. Head to the nearest spa to pick up a gift certificate for a pedicure, massage or facial.

Around this time of year, many local spas offer package deals that include the whole nine yards. The gift of massage is perfect for both males and females, and many spas are willing to specialize packages, such as Silverdale’s Centering Massage.

Add items like a dozen roses, gourmet chocolates or restaurant gift certificates to spa packages for your loved one. If a service isn’t of interest, delicious-smelling products are for sale in the lobbies of most salons or spas, like Timothy Stimac Salon & Spa in Bremerton. Patrons can go online and find special codes to get up to 15 percent off special products, which make for ideal spa gift baskets you can make at home.

GET A LITTLE CRAFTY:

If you enjoy being crafty, making gifts is always an option if there’s enough time left before the holidays. Get on Pinterest, ask friends, or stop in at your local craft store for ideas. If you’re in a crunch and don’t want to get too creative, some locations have a canvas is already in place — you just have to add your own flair. Claywerks, on North Callow Avenue, is a perfect spot to unwind and make some gifts. The studio offers a variety of clay pieces that can be painted in any manner. The pieces are then fired and ready for pickup days later.

For an even more relaxing experience, the owner also offers “Paint and Sip” parties, so guests can channel their inner Picasso.

Contributed photo

A hot rock massage by candlelight might be the perfect way to de-stress after shopping.

In two hours, guests can create a unique painting modeled after the instructor’s. Sip wine and enjoy the moment as painting experience isn’t necessary.

For another personalized present idea, make a pit stop in Silverdale at The Scrapbook Zone. The Mickleberry Road store offers classes in creating cards, projects and scrapping techniques. Get together with a group of friends to start or finish a scrapbook to give as a gift during the holidays. Crafters can join in on classes or host a crop party to get a head start on holiday goodies. Want to learn how to create a scrapbook? Beginner classes are available as well.

NIFTY, THRIFTY:

If gently used gifts are more your thing, then thrift shopping is the way to go.

Consignment and thrift stores are a good way to support local business owners and are often the best way to score good deals.

Bella Luna, located on Veneta Avenue, sometimes offers 10 percent coupons on its website. The store is geared toward women and children, so looking for winter clothing in one spot is much easier.

Instead of paying top dollar for a Coach bag, patrons can find women’s designer pieces for much less.

Check out thrift and consignment shops early to score the best items as savvy shoppers get the best deals first. Lucky Star Clothing in Silverdale also offers hot

trends for a cheaper price than malls and other retail stores. Located on Northwest Plaza Road, the store is close enough to the heart of Silverdale. The shop receives new arrivals daily, and the owner gives back to the community, too. Any unsold items are donated to the Kitsap Foster Care Association. Once a year the shop will also host a fashion show to raise money for the association’s “Dream Project.”

Shopping local has its own value, but if a shopper can get something cheaper, why wouldn’t they? Aside from avoiding the crowds and playing bumper cars in the mall parking lot, patrons who shop local avoid paying more for an item that might be found gently used elsewhere. “Why go to Walmart or Kmart and pay $3 for something I sell for $1,” asks Bartelheim.

Check out weeklies and fliers for updated sale prices, if commercial shopping is still on the agenda. Some shops will have doorbuster sales that only last for a few hours. Plan accordingly, and make sure that the trip is worth it. Look for value in the items being purchased and remember the value of time and travel. Lost time is never found again.

2. SHOP EARLY

Everybody loves food, so why not make it the focus of your gift? Stock up on several gift cards from local restaurants and give

Just like everything else in life, waiting until last minute to do something is stressful. As a reminder, yes, Christmas does indeed fall on Dec. 25 each and every year. No surprise there. Maybe there’s a reason commercial stores start putting

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HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

A man’s view on shopping

BY KEVAN MOORE

KMOORE@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM

I

learned many years ago that the absolute best time to go Christmas shopping is on Christmas Eve. And, by “absolute best time,” I mean it’s the worst possible time.

That’s why, year after year, come Dec. 24, I put my game face on and head for the mall. Anytime after 5 o’clock in the evening will work. At this stage in the game, there is sheer desperation in the air and you can smell it more clearly than an Orange Julius or a Cinnabon.

My Christmas Eve shenanigans were handed down to me and my brothers by our father and I can’t imagine doing it any other way. As the youngest brother, I clearly remember the Christmas when my older brothers and my dad had all picked something nice for my mom.

In a moment of serendipity, with only minutes to spare to get home for dinner and eventually head for Midnight Mass, I alighted upon a beautiful kaleidoscope. It was a hit the next morning and my mom wound up getting a different type of kaleidoscope on Christmas morning for about the next 20 years.

Now, isn’t that a beautiful, if not kind of weird, thing? Do you think I would have wound up buying a kaleidoscope if it hadn’t been Christmas Eve, with the promise of a nice meal and a trip to church for a taste of salvation wasn’t so imminent. I think not.

I don’t like crowds and I don’t like malls. I’m not wild about surprises, either.

Christmas Eve shopping has all of those things in spades. Every once in a while, once a year as it were, you’ve got to be willing to put yourself out there. Be bold.

Take a chance. Who knows, perhaps you, too, can develop a charming tradition?

Trust me, nothing says, “I love you mom,” like a nice kaleidoscope.

TIPS CONTINUED FROM page 3

out Christmas items around Halloween.

Perhaps it is with the hope that all shoppers will get their holiday shopping finished early so employees everywhere can have the day off. But other store owners, like Bartelheim, think major shopping chains push holidays a little too early. In his shop, he’ll combine two holidays and stick relevant items out a few weeks —not months — before. “I think some stores get carried away,” he remarks. “Christmas stuff out on Labor Day?” Not in his shop.

But, do the shopping in increments, and it won’t be so overwhelming. High-demand products are less likely to be sold out.

3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO MAKE AN OFFER.

Shopping local is more likely to garner better deals and savings. Making offers is an option, too. With the right attitude and the correct manager front and center, any price is open for bargaining.

Bartelheim has walked into department stores like JCPenney’s and talked down the price on a tag. But, there’s one stipulation: bring cash. “Cash talks,” he says.

4. MAKE SURE YOU’RE SATISFIED WITH WHAT YOU’RE BUYING.

COM AND P E STAY FLAY, THE D OR AY!

YOU ARE INVITED!

Don’t suffer from buyer’s remorse after returning home from an exhausting day of shopping. There’s nothing worse than going to wrap a gift and realizing it isn’t anything close to what was needed. Worse,

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it as a set in a holiday card. Or, make a day of it, and create a map of several restaurants to visit over the course of a day.

Make it fun and interesting, and be sure to stop in for java early in the morning at a place like The Coffee Oasis, a non-profit organization that offers programs for homeless youth and specializes in brewing up a perfect cup o’ joe. For lunch, drop in for some more coffee at The Global Coffee Bean company and grab another cup of

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it gets shoved into the closet and forgotten until spring cleaning time comes around.

Because who really wants to turn right back around and go stand in the returns line at customer service, especially during the Christmas rush? This goes back to shopping early. Get ’er done. Make sure to take note of store return policies. Holiday exchange policies may be different than normal-year-round shopping policies.

Thrift stores, like Bartelheim’s, often will not accept returns or give refunds. “You’re buying from a thrift store. It’s used. There’s no guarantee,” says the thrift-store owner.

“Make sure you buy what you want. Don’t just buy it.”

5. BRING A SMILE.

It is mind-boggling to think there are real-life Grinches who decide it is a good idea to try and go shopping during the madness of holiday shopping. But, it happens. Store owners don’t like grumps, so make sure to go shopping while in a good mood. Be well-fed and in good health before tromping out for a shopping extravaganza. “You come in and growl at me, I don’t want you in here,” says Bartelheim. “If you smile at me, I’ll return it. If you growl at me, you might be surprised at the growl you get back.”

Be patient, and have a good time while out and about. After all, isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Bring good cheer, and it will be returned.

Follow these tips, and shopping should be a rather pleasant experience. Don’t rush the holidays, it’ll be over before you can say “Happy Holidays.” coffee and enjoy steaming quesadillas, paninis or other baked goods. If you want a healthier lunch, get some fuel at Fuelrz, located on NW Kitsap Place. The place offers a wholesome daily lunch special and a variety of muffins, including gluten-free and vegan friendly. When dinner rolls around, try The Toad House Pizza Pub on NE McWilliams Road. If you’re looking for a view and fresh seafood, Boat Shed Restaurant on Shore Drive in Manette is the place to be. Pacific king salmon, pan fried Hood Canal oysters and fish tacos await.

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HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

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Enjoy holiday season with Yuletime movies

BY DANNIE OLIVEAUX DOLIVEAUX@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM

W

ith the holiday season, comes crowded malls and retail stores, along with dreaded traffic congestion on the highways.

After a hard day at the office or even shopping, most people need time to relax and enjoy time with family and loved ones.

One way to survived the holiday season and relax is gathering up some DVDs or videos, and watch some of the greatest Christmas movies ever made. These Yuletide flicks can tug at your heartstrings or make you laugh.

With the conception of movie rental kiosks scattered throughout South Kitsap and Kitsap County, renting a movie is convenient, cheap and easy.

But free rentals are available at the Kitsap Regional Library branches.

Reference librarian Rebekah Dalby said some of the 38 Christmas movies available include “All I Want for Christmas” (2008), “Once Upon A Christmas” (2006), “Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey” (2007), “The Christmas Card” (2007), “A Dog Named Christmas” (2009), “A Christmas Story” (2003), and “The Christmas Shoes” (2006).

Library Branch Manager Kathleen Wilson said all feature films are available for a one-week checkout and that the movies float between all of the Kitsap Regional Library branchs.

“If you don’t find what you’re looking for on our shelves, you can place a hold on the title,” Wilson said. “It will be delivered to the branch of your choosing and it will be held under you name for one

week.”

Wilson added that the library has plenty of holiday music, which is available for a three-week checkout.

TOP HOLIDAY MOVIES

According the AMCtv.com, the top 20 holiday movies are: 1— “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946): Whether or not you have your own guardian angel hovering, the lesson here is that it’s not money that makes you rich.

2 — “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965): Charlie Brown sets out to find the true meaning of Christmas in this animated anti-commercialism classic.

3 — “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964): This 1960s stop-motion-animation movie is impossibly cute, right down to Sam the Snowman.

4 — “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989): Decking the halls and other traditions are all colossal failures for the Griswold family — riotous because it hits close to home.

5 — “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947): Uplifting without being cloying. It’s no wonder that this movie is a much-beloved holiday chestnut.

6 — “White Christmas” (1954): The follow-up to Holiday Inn is once again full of Irving Berlin tunes, with Bing Crosby providing the vocals. What’s not to love?

7 — “A Christmas Story” (1983): This comedy satisfies two sets of audiences: kids (Ralphie gets his BB gun) and parents (it does exactly what they warned him it would).

8 — “Home Alone” (1990): A gamechanger for the Christmas-movie category: it has action, like a zip line to the neighbors’ house.

9 — “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1965): Boris Karloff ’s dulcet baritone lends sinister charm to everyone’s favorite Who hater in this short, sweet Christmas special.

10 — “Frosty the Snowman”

(1969): This holiday staple features one of the most memorably catchy Christmassy theme songs ever.

11 — “A Christmas Carol” (1984): George C. Scott plays Scrooge in this classic made-for-TV version of the Charles Dickens holiday tale.

12 — “Elf ” (2003): It may star Will Ferrell as a dim-witted elf, but the movie’s payoff is old-fashioned, familiar, and welcome.

13 — “Holiday Inn” (1942): Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire celebrate a year’s worth of holidays, against a steady flow of Irving Berlin tunes.

14 — “The Santa Clause” (1994): Tim Allen deconstructs Saint Nick and reconstructs his waistline as a hapless Santa in training.

15 — “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000): It’s rather hard to say who’s the real star of this funny live-action version: is it Jim Carrey or Dr. Seuss?

16 — “Scrooged” (1988): The Bill Murray renaissance began with his turn as ultimate crank Frank Cross. A Solid Gold Dancers cameo helps get the lesson across.

17 — “The Muppet Christmas Carol”

(1992): The Muppet adaptation of the classic story is fun, sweet, and definitely appropriate for the whole family.

18 — “Christmas in Connecticut” (1945): A war hero has Christmas dinner with the Martha Stewart-esque Barbara Stanwyck (who actually can’t cook) in this holiday classic.

19 — “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993): Tim Burton and Henry Selick’s enchanting tale has all the familiar, er, bones of a holiday classic — love, redemption and Santa.

20 — “Bells of Santa Mary” (1945): Father O’Malley the unconventional priest continues his work for the Catholic Church.

This time he is sent to St. Mary’s, a rundown parochial school on the verge of condemnation.

Other popular Christmas movies are “The Polar Express” (2004), “Jingle All the Way” (1996), “The Bishop’s Wife” (1947), “Prancer” (1989), “Surviving Christmas” (2004) and “Deck the Halls” (2006). For the science fiction buff, there is “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” (1964).

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HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

NOVEMBER 29, 2013

Getting organized is the key to less stress

BY JESSICA GINET JGINET@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM

Rushing around with 90 things to do in the next 10 minutes and absolutely no way to back out of the 15 commitments you have agreed to?

Welcome to the holidays.

There’s nothing that screams “Joy to the World” more than a frantic soccer mom baking dozens upon dozens of cookies that nobody really cares about while shuttling her children to recital practice and trying to create the perfect Martha Stewart holiday.

So if you actually enjoy feeling hopeless, helpless and taken advantage of, stop reading. If you want to change things up a bit this year — perhaps starting a new family tradition that fits for you — continue on, gentle reader.

PLAN AHEAD. Look at your schedule for the holiday season. Don’t over schedule yourself or your family. Leave time for yourself to take a time-out every day. Rather than focus on how you’re going to get from one errand and activity to another, plan on what is worth your time and what is not. It is OK to decide to keep your schedule wide open. There is no rule that says everyone must be busy during the holidays.

When organizing your gift list, do some research first. Are there any problems or customer satisfaction issues with certain items? Do local stores offer price matching? If so, make sure you bring the ads with you.

Look for coupons and have them ready to go. Highlight your list items if you have a coupon for it. Likewise, group your coupons by store so it’s easy to locate things.

When planning, look at your entire schedule for the holiday season. Don’t over schedule. Leave time for yourself and your family to take a time-out every day. Plan what is worth your time and what is not. It is completely

okay to decide to keep your schedule wide open, too. Do you want a picture with Santa Claus? If you visit Santa in the Kitsap Mall, guest services advises that if you want to order any photos taken with Santa as a gift, make sure you come early in the season. If you wait too long your photos might not arrive in time.

Are you shopping with little ones in tow? Make sure they have a chance to run off some energy. There is a children’s play area inside the Kitsap Mall for kids age 6 and under.

LEARN TO SAY, “NO.” This is perhaps the most difficult for many people. We worry about hurting other’s feelings so we automatically agree to attend every event, donate to every cause and we suffer personally because of it. Before committing to anything, settle on a specific number of things you will help with and stick to it. There’s nothing wrong with saying, “I’m going to have to say no to helping with the cupcake brigade/ Christmas pageant/etc., for this year.”

And leave it at that. No explanation is required. Have respect for your time and energy. You should enjoy the holidays, too.

BUDGET. Whether you set one budget that includes decorations, gifts, travel, etc., or a separate budget for each category, set a budget and stick to it. I like to set my budget in January so that I can break up my spending into monthly increments. I like to utilize the end of the year sales to buy gifts for friends and family for the following year; as a military dependent, I also take advantage of the NEX’s layaway program to meet my budget while also getting gifts taken care of months before the holidays. Many stores have layaway plans, too.

ACKNOWLEDGE YOU. If you don’t enjoy large, boisterous gatherings, then don’t attend them.

tree or a wreath or a menorah.

KEEP YOUR ROUTINE. Or at least try to. I go to the YMCA every Monday through Friday at 6 a.m., year round. My husband and I have date night every Friday and we eat dinner at the same time each day. We go to bed at the same time each night. These routines provide consistency in the midst of chaos.

I’m not so thrown off balance with a new task if I have completed my usual exercise/work/home routines. So whether you’re a night owl or not, try to stick to your usual schedule as much as possible.

Leslie Kelly/Staff Photo

A young one enjoys a trip to the mall while her mother looks at rings.

If you dislike large crowds, perhaps reconsider that 2 p.m. trip to the mall on Saturday. Shop earlier in the day before the crowds arrive.

Alternatively, if you thrive on social events, by all means attend them.

The key is to understand how you are feeling and act accordingly. If you are comfortable and content it will show; if you’re miserable and unhappy, that will show as well. Don’t set aside your feelings.

TAKE A BREAK. If you need a break, take one! Go hide away and take a quick 20 minute nap, read a good book, watch a movie you’re interested in or get a massage.

If you’ve been walking around shopping all day, stop by a local salon that takes walk-ins, like Hot Nails and Tanning on Plaza Road (adjacent to the Kitsap Mall) and get a spa pedicure with a nice foot massage.

Don’t want to leave the mall? That’s okay, too. The Kitsap Mall has coin operated massage chairs that are perfect for a respite.

Insider tip: Centering Massage inside the 3100 Building on Bucklin Hill Road has walk-in massage times posted on their door every day. It may well be worth the few minutes it takes to stop by --- why not take an hour out of your marathon shopping session for some relaxing?

BE REALISTIC. The holidays are an emotionally charged time for many individuals and families. Things are not going to be perfect and that is OK. Many families get together for the holidays and with that comes old arguments, disagreements and the mashing together of a multitude of personalities.

What works for me is to realize that I cannot control others’ reactions or attitudes but I have complete control over my own. Use that to your benefit.

Realize that you might not be able to purchase gifts for every friend and family member; you might take a shortcut with the cooking; and rather than decorate every single room in the house, the sole decoration will be a

ASK FOR HELP. There are small things that can save you time and hassle. For example, the Kitsap Mall offers gift wrapping services. There’s also catered meals and desserts available through our excellent local restaurants.

If you’re hosting the whole family for a party or dinner, and you’re overwhelmed with stuff to do, ask for help. Delegate tasks to others. Once you have passed along some of the responsibilities, it’s important to let go.

Allow each participant go about things in their own way.

PUT THINGS INTO PERSPECTIVE. Your holiday will not be like those in the magazines or on those Lifetime holiday movies and that’s OK. Make your holiday matter to you and your family in your own way. Make no apologies for it and enjoy every second of each day.

You might just realize that your 2013 holiday season was the best one yet — whether it’s with the artificial tree, store bought cookies or a prepared Christmas dinner courtesy of Shari’s or an artisanal free range turkey dinner lovingly prepared in front of the organically grown live balsam tree.

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NOVEMBER 29, 2013

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

PAGE 7

Just about anything can be stressful at the holidays

BY LESLIE KELLY

LKELLY@SOUNDPUBISHING.COM

T

here’s decorations up and everyone’s at the mall. Cards need to be addressed and you’ve still got plenty of family to buy for. Time is slipping by.

And then, there’s the stockings to fill, the holiday cookies to bake and of course, attending all those holiday functions.

No wonder you’re stressed. But what stresses one person may not stress another.

Here’s a random sampling of what stresses some folks out at the holidays from people who were recently at the Kitsap Mall.

“Figuring out what to buy everybody,” said Linda Brown, of Silverdale. “I make lists and I shop the ads. And, yes, I’ve started shopping already.”

Her granddaughter, Taylor, has a different take on holiday stress.

“Waiting to get my presents,” she said. “That’s stressful.”

What’s she want this year?

“A little bit of everything,” she said.

For John West, of Poulsbo, who sells real estate, the holidays aren’t as stressful as they use to be.

“We don’t do a lot of gift exchange anymore,” he said. “We just focus on the grandkids. And we used to go to a lot of social functions. Now we just do what we want to.”

This year, for the West family, that means spending the holidays in Australia where the grandkids live.

Holiday stress for Cathie Baker means wrapping and mailing.

“Probably the most stressful thing is getting all the grand babies’ gifts wrapped and mailed and making sure they’ll arrive on time.”

Baker is working this season at the mall at the Costco store which is previewing all the types of things Costco carries.

And then there’s folks like Amy Barlage, who works retail and just doesn’t get stressed at the holidays.

“Nothing,” she said. “I just don’t get that stressed. Sometimes I do run out of time to do everything I want to, because of working. But I just don’t let it stress me out.”

DIARY CONTINUED FROM page 2

nicer neighborhoods in town.

Dear Diary: The giblets are simmering on the stove for gravy and the yeast rolls are rising. I cooked one turkey yesterday and have the deep fat fryer ready in the driveway for the fried turkey. I have the pecan pie made, the pumpkin pies ready and the apple crumble pie is in the oven. I made four cheesecakes from scratch yesterday and now I just have to run and pick up my mom. Oh yeah — we opened presents at 5 a.m. and everyone’s taking a nap while I get dinner ready and the house pre-

pared for company. Tanner got the new iPhone 12 and has been hiding in his room downloading apps since 7.

Dear Diary: Well that was a disaster.

My mom argued with Aunt Barbara about the merits of Elvis Presley versus those of Englebert Humperdinck and the kids whined and said they wanted ham instead of the gross boring turkey. I managed to shovel a few bites of stuffing and sweet potatoes into my mouth before someone asked if I had remembered to make eggnog pie. Oops.

Apparently Josh was counting on that and now his entire Christmas is ruined.

I want to go hide in my bedroom. Only a few more hours of this and I can relax.

Dear Diary: I took mom home at 6 p.m. and managed to come home and drink several large mugs of homemade eggnog. Things are much calmer now — I just finished a turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich and now I’m sitting in front of the Christmas tree. This is the best Christmas ever.

I’m sad; Christmas is almost over!

Dear Diary: It’s Dec. 26 ... the day after... and I’m standing in front of Best Buy. Can you say, “Boxing Day Sale?” I’m sad Christmas is over but there’s so much to do. Take down the tree, pull down the lights, pack away the decorations, eat up the leftovers and mail thank you cards to everyone. . .

Happy Holidays It’s been our privilege to work alongside you this year to help support hundreds of events and organizations in our communities. As we’ve labored together, we’ve been inspired by the generosity and dedication of the people who call this community home. It’s that heart of giving that reflects what the holiday spirit is all about.

Thank you for helping us give back.

PAGE 8

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

NOVEMBER 29, 2013

great

gift drive

Where your donated gift magically turns into two! saturday, novemBer 30 • 10 am - 9 pm • Jcpenney court 1. choose a tag from our giving tree in Jcpenney court.

2. return the gift on november 30 3. Kitsap mall will match your gift donation! you’ll make twice the impact with your gift - and together we’ll help the salvation army, toys for tots and the senior residents at Bay vista commons.

Find recommended gifts at Facebook.com/shopkitsapmall.com

Please every personality with gifts from Kitsap Mall Find the perFect giFts For your loved ones at these stores and more. pint-size & playFul: crazy 8 Barnes & noble head to toes

Fashion-Friendly: christopher & Banks lane Bryant romy

on trend: hot topic Forever 21 Fuego

glitz & glamour: Ben Bridge gene Juarez salon icing

cool & casual: aeropostale Buckle gap

all Fun & games: go games! go toys! anime World gamestop

brightest

holiday ideas

shopkitsapmall.com