W ord S earch Carol Cheer Cocoa Family Gift Holiday
FEELING DOWN? G ratitude M ight B e the A ntidote Gratitude is an emotion that often gets taken for granted. It’s easy to overlook, but when we share our gratitude for others, it makes them feel appreciated and good about themselves. But expressing our gratitude and letting others know we care helps us to feel good, too. The holiday season is often referred to as the season of gratitude. While we should share our thanks and appreciation with others no matter the time of year, the holidays serve as a great reminder to let people know we are thinking of them. But more than that, sharing gratitude and reflecting on what you are thankful for can lay the foundation for a happier life. Richard Wiseman explores this idea in his book “59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot.” In the book, Wiseman discusses a study that brought together three groups of people who wrote in journals. The first group wrote about what they were grateful for, the second wrote about what annoyed them, and the third simply recounted the week. The results of the experiment revealed something significant: The participants who wrote about what they were grateful for were noticeably happier, more optimistic, and even healthier than those from the other groups. The first group focused on positive emotions, which helped them feel more positive overall. Meanwhile, those who focused on the negative felt worse at the end of the study. This is something you can try at home. At least once a week (or even once a day), write down a list of 3–5 things you are grateful for that day or week. To make it easier and make it a habit, keep a journal and pen right next to your bed or your favorite chair. Then, at the end of the day, write down a few bullet points. The list can include the name of a person who positively impacted your day, a reflection of a happy recent event, a note about a few things that went well in your day, or things that you are looking forward to. It can be anything that brought a little brightness into your day. Give it a try. You might be surprised by how much happier — and more grateful — you feel.
Holly Peace Shovel Sledding Snow Turquoise
FESTIVE APPLE CIDER
Inspired by BoulderLocavore.com
If you’re cutting back on calories, skip the eggnog and buttered rum this year and fill up your mug with this delicious mulled cider!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tsp allspice berries • 1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp honey • 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 lemon • 1 gallon pure apple cider • 1 large orange, thinly sliced crosswise • 2 tsp whole cloves
DIRECTIONS
1. Using a paring knife, shave the lemon peel off in curls. Reserve the curls and save the lemon for use in a different recipe. 2. In a large slow cooker, combine the lemon peel with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 3–4 hours. 3. If desired, use a sieve to strain the spices. Serve and enjoy!
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