After spending the last week or so at my sister’s place (a couple days of which I was on my tush battling a case of the Clemson crud) I have found a new appreciation for watching pretty people make pretty food on television. I’m talking about Food Network. Oh yeah. You know you’ve watched it. All the cool people are baking now, you know.

I’ve come to realize that the holidays are to bakers what the summer is to surfers. It’s their TIME. Secretly they wring their hands in anticipation of the opportunity to strut their cakepan stuff for their friends, family, and coworkers. Sure, Suzie Officemate may say she only brought in that perfectly presented tin of homemade gingerbread cookies because she “had extra”. But, Suzie’s just being humble. She wants us to tingle from head to toe when we put those confections in our mouths.

And food is an AMAZING option for hostess gifts, office Secret Santa, or that person who’s got everything. Watching Food Network has shown me that it’s really easy to make a tasty treat that looks as good as it eats. So, in these tough times when our pockets are a bit shallow, how about grab some ingredients from the grocery store and gift someone a snack with a handwritten card taped to it? They’ll LOVE it because you made it. For reals.

For you, a homemade link to the fun. Happy making!

I keep trying to send everyone I know to a therapist. Guess it’s the giving mentality I have at this time of year: “Merry Christmas! Here’s a gift debit card and the name of a great counselor. No, no, I’m not saying you need to go–I’m just saying that you might like it…”

So, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. Not everyone. In fact, that’s just a scenario I keep playing out in my head. But, I just might do it! I’ve got people pegged. It could be you. Don’t be afraid. And don’t avoid me because you’re dreading a potentially awkward moment. Dodging the inevitable takes a lot of extra energy.

I’m kidding. It’s not my place to lasso people with the rope of righteous advocacy. Still, it’s fun to think that I might be able to help someone. See, what I’m getting at is this: Though the myth that the holidays drive people over the proverbial edge has long been debunked, I’m taking the opportunity to shout out a New Year’s Resolution for all:

Get Happy!

Find yourself often complaining on Twitter, your blog, in emails or while talking on the telephone? Notice that your friends are teasing you for being a nay-sayer or kill-joy? Talking yourself out of going places because you’re pretty sure you’ll have a bad time? Finding it difficult to get motivated to do daily tasks or commit to things? Feeling aimless, dispassionate, or excessively tired?

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to feel crappy forever, you know.

Resolve to Get Happy. For yourself and for your loved ones. But mostly for yourself. Go see that therapist or just tell someone that you need their support. We’re all here on this planet together to help one another find positive outcomes in life, so give someone the gift of confidence and they’ll reciprocate with the gift of support.

Make it a truly Happy New Year. Don’t be scared. Just reach out. Make that Resolution.

Jump…

Reach for…

Happy…