December is the month when we truly experience the spirit of the holidays all around us! However, while we get to enjoy spending time with our loved ones and those close to us with celebrations and gatherings we also experience the pressure of finding gifts for everyone on the list, as well as planning and executing all of the necessary preparations. There are many ways to alleviate some of the stress, which will enable you to feel the richness and warmth of the season minus the “Grinchy” stress-induced mania related to the pressure of handling all your last minute holiday details.
Great Ideas for Last Minute Holiday Gifts
Jewelry is always a great last minute gift idea. You can get in and out in a few minutes if you are decisive and we gift wrap. When you arrive home you will have a perfect gift that you don’t have to do anything else with but present! Jenny Thomas of AT Thomas Jewelers says, “We keep a wide variety of styles in until we close at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve. We also strive to keep our store well organized and keep similar styles grouped together so you can scan the designs, and then allow us to help you see the merchandise closer to make a final decision. If you are a last minute shopper, consider what you purchased last year and either get a complimentary piece or go with something new and exciting–something the recipient would never have thought they would receive. During the month of December our cases are the fullest they are all year. This is the best time to buy and see many of the latest trends and styles.” Jenny also recommends being somewhat decisive when purchasing gifts to alleviate some stress and hassle. She advises, “Keep it simple. While sometimes it is necessary, back and forth shopping and driving all over town can be exhausting. When you find something that piques your interest or you love; get it!”
Sarah Gauger of omt! Divine Women’s Resale also carries special holiday items that are perfect for gift giving. “Scarves especially make a great last minute gift. They always fit and they’re so comfy as the temperatures drop. omt! has lots of new chunky infinity scarves especially for our holiday shoppers.” She adds, “When you shop locally at smaller stores, you have access to help from those employees who know every detail of the inventory like the back of their hand and provide personal service to each and every one of their customers. At omt!, you can park at the door and be in and out quickly, so you don’t have to spend the whole afternoon at a crowded shopping mall. We always update our merchandise so you can catch a sneak peak, and we will be offering special holiday promotions all month long. Make sure to check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/omtdivineresale, or visit our website at www.omtdivineresale.com to sign up for email updates or to see our current holiday specials. We love the holidays at omt! and look forward to helping you find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list!”
Dr. Andrew Bateman of Clear Vision Eye Care adds that a great pair of sunglasses is the perfect holiday gift that your loved ones can not only use, but look great in, all year round. He says, “We have fashion and sport sunglasses from quality, designer brands such as Kate Spade, Gucci, Juicy Couture, Nike, Hugo Boss, Guess, and Rudy Project. These make a great gift for men and women! A great pair of sunglasses can make you feel like a million bucks, and you are also giving a gift of something the lucky recipient will use daily! We have sunglasses with special lenses for golf, Rudy Project sunglasses (lifetime guarantee), with interchangeable lenses for runners, cyclists, motorcyclists and hunters. Are you looking for something for your mom, sister or best friend? A pair of Kate Spade or Gucci sunglasses is a guaranteed hit!” As they are a personal style item, there are other solutions if you are nervous about whether or not your choice is the best gift for that person on your list. Dr. Bateman says, “We often have husbands contact us wanting to get their wives a pair of glasses for Christmas. We print up a gift certificate and package it with some Clear Vision items so he has a gift to give, and then she can stop in and pick exactly what she wants.” He adds, “The holiday and post-holiday time is often a very busy time with celebrations, out-of-town company, etc. Many also have insurance benefits that expire at year end, or have FLEX that needs to be used. All prescription products (sunglasses, reading glasses, or contacts) are FLEX eligible. Take a moment to check your benefits and FLEX before the holiday craziness starts, as we would be happy to help you get something crossed off that never ending to-do list!”
Shanti’s Boutique offers a very nice selection of affordable gifts that women love! Marion Bryant, owner of Shanti’s Boutique, states “Shanti’s focuses on merchandise that is very different from most stores. After arriving at Shanti’s, you will immediately have a feel for our fashion and style—our goal is to make women of all ages feel beautiful and fashionable for all different kinds of occasions, wherever they may be going or whatever they may be doing. For the holidays, we will provide beautiful gift bags with tissue for all gift items. This means no wrapping skills, effort, time, or materials will be required from you!” She adds, “When you are stressed, focus on being in that moment. That means whether in your car, waiting in line, or listening to a crying baby. The biggest goal here is not to think of what you have to do, just take a moment to center yourself and readjust your thoughts to those who you love deeply. Think about the special gifts you are purchasing to make their holiday shine because it is from you. Think about their smiles, their silly laugh or whatever you love about them. This will totally remove all stress instantly, guaranteed! However, you must practice this technique often, so I encourage you to try it right now before you read on…so…GO! Also, remember to buy those gifts that you feel will connect you closer–a special watch, book, decorative piece. Basically a gift they won’t forget! That may even be a vacation for some families, the possibilities are endless. And most important is balance; don’t forget to buy a few things for yourself if possible!”
For the guys and gals that love to cook or barbeque (no matter the weather!), JB’s Fat Boy products add plenty of flavor to any dish and are great for stocking stuffers as well as gifts. They are also available at many convenient locations in town, such as HyVee, Super Saver, Russ’s Market and the new Whole Foods Market! JB’s Fat Boy offers premium sauces and rubs in many different sizes, flavors, and options such as gluten free and all natural. If you already have all of the JB’s Fat Boy flavors you need, they also offer swag items such as t-shirts, koozies, and reusable shopping bags. As for why these products make great gifts, here are several reasons from local owner of JB’s Fat Boy, Kirk Malzer. “While traveling the country in barbeque competition, we learned about the benefits of adding seasoning to any meat. Doing so not only adds flavor, but also seals in the precious juices that keep the meat moist. After much experimentation we developed a line of seven rubs that have what we believe to be the perfect combination of ingredients to compliment the flavor of any meat they are used on. Beyond meat, these rubs make a great addition to casseroles and everyday family recipes. When added to sour cream they also make a delightful dip. Additionally, our line of sauces is distinctly different from those of our competitors. We use very little water in production, which results in a sauce that is thicker in texture and more fully flavored. When applied to a meat product and heated briefly this thicker sauce caramelizes on top of the meat. This keeps our distinctive sauce on top of the meat, which is where we believe it belongs. Our goal is to make every meal distinctively memorable and we hope our products can help you achieve that. Be sure to try each and every one of them, and see for yourself!”
Smoking Gun Jerky, Lincoln’s only jerky store, also provides an array of excellent holiday gifts. They make over 30 different flavors and heat levels every day, and their jerky is freshly made using USDA inspected lean Midwestern Beef, Smoking Gun’s own liquid jerky marinade, and a variety of spices and seasonings to create truly unique jerky flavors that you just can’t find anywhere else! They offer gift cards, smaller 3.5 oz. bags that make great stocking stuffers, and their popular custom-made gift baskets. You can even choose from their ready to go baskets or you can select items from the store to customize your own gift basket. Smoking Gun Jerky works hard to make your holiday shopping easy!
For a classic gift that is great year after year, you can’t go wrong with Colby Ridge. Colby Ridge offers plenty of holiday treats that are perfect for gifts, entertaining holiday guests, or to bring as a treat to your holiday parties. Jeff White of Colby Ridge notes that among their popular packaging options offered are holiday tins, as well as tins for many of your favorite sports teams. They also offer a very unique treat—Chocolate Covered Potato Chips! These delicious snacks are individually hand dipped, which adds to the quality of the product as there are truly no machines used to manufacture this product whatsoever. In addition to the quality of their popcorn, candy, and other creative delicacies, they pride themselves on being extremely flexible and can customize just about anything you have in mind to create the perfect holiday gift—whether you have planned ahead or need to pick up something at the last minute.
Cherie Anderson, Catering & Events Director for Venue Restaurant & Lounge offers a really cute gift idea for the couples out there, or for families and friends who want a reason to get together in the future after the holiday madness. She says, “Putting together a ‘date night’ package can be really fun to receive as a gift. One idea would be a certificate to a Wine or Chef Dinner, which is held every month at Venue and features chef inspired & created entrees that showcase Chef John’s incredible talents. This really gives the recipient a unique dining experience they wouldn’t get elsewhere. A certificate to one of these dinners packaged with a few great bottles of wine, wine glasses, a babysitting certificate, after dinner coffee gift cards, etc. is a great idea for friends, family or possibly even the whole office to enjoy together.” As far as advice for reducing stress in the final stretch of the holiday season, Geist simply adds, “Plan, plan, plan ahead, make lists, turn the TV off, have plenty of wine on hand, and pray!”
Hallow Candle Co. offers a wide variety of last minute gifts, from pre-made gift baskets to individual candles, jewelry and home décor that can easily be gift wrapped before your purchase—so you’re good to go even if you only have a few moments to spare! Sarah Mullins, owner of Hallow Candle Co., says, “Hallow Candle Co. LOVES last minute shoppers. Our friendly staff is always willing to assist in picking out a gift as well as gift wrap, packaging, and we can even mail your gift for you as long as the destination is within the United States. Last minute shopping doesn’t have to be difficult; the simple key is to let us help you! Our staff has years of experience in picking out the perfect gift for that special someone, or for co-workers, friends and family too! Hallow Candle Co. offers online shopping with FREE in-store pick up for those last minute or late night shoppers. If your gift is ready to go when you pick it up, you will have more free time as well as the stress free state of mind that you deserve during the holidays.” She adds, “If you’re not able to shop ahead of time, make a list of everyone you need to buy for, that way you don’t stress about forgetting anyone! Call ahead to the stores you want to go to and make sure they’re open–even pre-warn them if you know you’ll need help. Ask for assistance right away so you don’t have to spend time stressing over the right choice!”
If you are looking for a last minute gift for the golfer on your list, the Quarry Oaks gift card is the perfect solution. Consistently rated as one of Nebraska’s top public golf courses, Quarry Oaks is a destination golf course that combines a fabulous golf experience with some of the most beautiful scenery in eastern Nebraska. You can even order your gift cards online and they guarantee to ship your order very quickly. Additionally, purchasing a Quarry Oaks Holiday Package is the easiest shopping you will do this season… no waiting in long lines! It also offers the best value, and as this special is only offered once a year it is important to take advantage now and complete your shopping for anyone who really enjoys golfing. You can also take advantage of this great special to stock up on rounds of golf for yourself! For only $62.95, you will receive a gift card that is valid for one 18-hole green fee and cart rental, practice balls, a Quarry Oaks logo ball, and a full color yardage guide. And, as a special bonus, when you purchase four packages you’ll receive a fifth absolutely free. These packages can even be used on the weekends, plus your gift card will never expire! They also offer gift cards for purchase in $25 increments that can be used in the golf shop or restaurant. To order your Quarry Oaks holiday package, just log on to quarryoaks.com and click on the Holiday Package link on their home page, or the gift card link at the bottom of the page. They promise to process your order as quickly as possible, as they are locally operated and manage their own website. If you prefer not to wait on the mail, Quarry Oaks gift cards will also be available at all area Austad’s Golf Stores in the Lincoln and Omaha areas through December 31st. You may also call the golf shop at (402) 944-6000 if you prefer to order over the phone.
Effectively Managing Holiday Stress
During the holidays, it is easy to experience stress for a variety of reasons. There is just so much to pack into a month that even thinking about it is enough to make you crazy and induce panic. In addition to consulting with our local experts on how to combat holiday stress, Health.com offers some great tips on easy ways to make sure you feel your best and enjoy the holiday season.
Sunlight Works Wonders For Your Overall Mood – Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, which not only makes your feel good but also helps to relieve seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which affects millions of Americans every year. To ease SAD symptoms, spend time outdoors or near a window on sunny days. You can also ask your doctor about phototherapy, which is a treatment using a box that emits full-spectrum light, or visit a tanning salon in moderation.
Get Your Daily Dose of Citrus – Researchers studying depressions have found that certain citrus fragrances boost feelings of well-being and alleviate stress by increasing levels of norepinephrine, another hormone that affects mood. For an all-day pick-me-up, dab a little lemon or orange essential oil on a handkerchief to tuck in your pocket. As a local source for your citrus scents, Hallow Candle Co. offers delightfully fragranced soy candles and reed diffusers that are sure to surround you with smells that are certain to enhance your mood during the winter months. Or, just infuse your water with citrus fruits or pack an orange in your lunch!
Walk Your Worries Away – Walking can definitely relieve stress, and allows you a minute away from the noise and grind to center your thoughts and find a little peace. Additionally, the rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing effect on your brain while decreasing anxiety and improving your sleep. Try your best to incorporate a brisk, 30 minute walk every day.
Get Enough Sleep – While visions of sugarplums may not be dancing in your head, your brain activity is likely to be amped up enough so that sleeping well becomes incredibly difficult. This in turn affects just about every aspect of your life and mood during the day you spend awake. Try your best to get enough sleep, no matter how impossible this seems. You may want to consider 5-HTP, a plant extract that is available in capsules at most drugstores, which can help to increase serotonin, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. Generally taking 150 milligrams daily is safe and effective, but if you take antidepressant medications make sure to consult with your doctor before trying it!
Squeeze Your Hand in the Right Place…Really! – Applying pressure for 30 seconds on the fleshy place between your index finger and thumb can reduce stress and tension in your upper body. So if you start to feel overwhelmed by the holiday chaos, give your hand a squeeze and take a deep breath.
Just Say “NO” – Often times during the holidays we set ourselves up with insane schedules full of anything and everything that we have been offered the opportunity to participate in. Consider what is most important to you during the holidays, and try to say no to a few things that are not at the top of your priorities. After all, there are only 24 days in December before Christmas, and a limited number of hours in those days. It makes sense to do what matters the most and politely decline the rest.
Stick With Your Daily Routine – Again with the prioritizing. It is jarring to have a whole month where we disregard ourselves completely. Make sure to still get in your workouts, monthly engagements and activities, etc. Don’t try to squeeze more into your schedule than you can handle, but also don’t stray too far from your regular schedule. Exercise is an especially important one, as it may be the last thing you feel like doing when you are stressed out but it will actually help you feel much better and can boost your mood for up to 12 hours!
Take Advantage of Those Who Make You Smile – So the holidays include being around many people; take advantage of this by staying close to those who crack you up. Laughing reduces stress hormones, which in turn helps your immune system function better among other things such as lifting your mood.
Throw Perfection Right Out The Window – Stop obsessing over doing it all. The world is not going to end if your house is a little cluttered, if you don’t personally cook a meal or five, or if you use a gift bag instead of a precisely wrapped package. In the spirit of the holiday season, it is the people who matter the most so try to focus your energy on enjoying all of the wonderful people in your life. This will also require that you get out of the house, and that is great. Take your family out to fun meals, Lincoln has plenty of wonderful places to dine out that are festive for the holidays and can take one or more things literally “off of your plate.” On a side note, hot foods trigger the release of endorphins, natural chemicals that trigger feelings of euphoria and well-being. If these types of foods are not incorporated in your holiday traditions, try spicing things up a little bit!
Set Aside Time to Go “Tech-Free” – I know you just gasped, as what I said is horrific to most of us who manage our own businesses or professional duties. However, constant cell phone and email alerts truly keep us in a perpetual fight-or-flight mode due to bursts of adrenaline. Not only is this exhausting, but it contributes to mounting stress levels, especially in women. Take some time to turn off your gadgets during dinner with the family, a holiday get-together, or while running a few errands for gifts. Also, your children are little sponges and it will go a long way to set an example that some things are just more important than what is going on everywhere else.
Give the Gift of Massage (To Yourself and Your Loved Ones!) – Massages feel great are an undeniable way to relax for a little bit of time in between all of the hustle and bustle. Ashley Pavlish, owner of Body Nouveaux, says, “The holidays can be really stressful! We provide the opportunity for our clients to come in and relax, as well as knock out some holiday shopping to extend the gift of pampering and relaxation to their loved ones. We have plenty of holiday specials running throughout the month of December, and we can accommodate your busy schedule with day, evening, and weekend appointments. We also offer gift certificates, which are perfect to allow the recipient to choose whatever services they may want or need.”
Turn Up The Tunes – Listen to your favorite music whenever you get the chance. Whether attending a concert during the holidays, enjoying Christmas music, or blasting the latest jams from Jay-Z while you work out or in the car on the way to a meeting; hearing music you love can relax blood vessels and increase blood flow, which not only calms you down but is good for your heart also.
Plan a Vacation…or Staycation! – Taking at least four or five days off work dramatically lowers your stress level, and even planning for taking this time off in the future provides the same effect and gives you something to look forward to. If you have kids and opt for a staycation during the holidays, there are plenty of great destinations in Lincoln and Omaha that provide the perfect getaway. You can also make plans to send the kiddos off on their own vacation to Grandma and Grandpa’s, and take some time to yourself or get your holiday to-do list handled.
Think Happy Thoughts – Last but not least, make an effort to think positive. The holidays may drive you to your breaking point, but don’t focus on the bad. Negative thinking can trigger your body’s stress response, just as much as a real threat does. Again, remember that the holidays are a time to celebrate with your family and friends…even if they stress you out too! An optimistic outlook will help you cope with all of the challenges that come your way, and will positively affect everyone and everything that goes on around you.
Advantages of Post-Holiday Parties
Cherie Anderson of Venue Restaurant & Lounge also touches on ways to reduce stress associated with the holidays by planning your holiday parties in January as opposed to December. “As a full time employee and with a family of six, adding one more thing to my plate during the holiday season just about does me in. I would so much more enjoy a holiday party AFTER the hustle and bustle of the season. Like you, I wouldn’t have a million things running through my head that need to get done on a tight timeline. Most holiday parties are enjoyed on a Friday or Saturday night, so as party rooms are booked from now through New Year’s Eve, you will certainly have more options available to you in January. Venue has three private dining rooms to choose from and we work really hard to coordinate an event that caters to your budget and vision for the occasion.” She adds, “However, if you find yourself needing to entertain last minute I highly recommend feeding your guests with Goodcents deli fresh subs. We deliver in Lincoln from four different locations across town, and have plenty of options to put together a meal for as many or as few as you need to entertain. In addition, there is very minimal mess and clean up afterwards!”
When it comes to holiday parties, there can be many perks to throwing your party after the holiday season. Michele Barron, Catering Manager for Greta’s Gourmet Butcher Shop, Deli & Catering, says, “The holiday season is a busy and sometimes stressful time of year when you’re trying to fit everything in! It can be easier for your guests to sit back, relax and enjoy each other’s company after the holiday rush. At Greta’s Gourmet, we’ve catered a wide variety of holiday party menus to our clients for events both before and after the holidays. Heavy hors d’oeuvres can be a great choice over a plated meal to allow your guests the ability to walk around and mingle with many other attendees rather than be stuck to a table. Regarding last minute holiday gifts, she adds, “We’ve all had that last minute gift to buy. Of course gift cards are all encompassing and a quick stocking stuffer, but for a more personal touch we offer many retail items in our shop. From our specialty spice blends to artisanal Christopher Elbow chocolates to gift baskets to our beef jerky, snack sticks, hand crafted sausages and freshly cut steaks–you can find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. For last minute meals and parties, our staff is ready to help you with the perfect appetizer, salad or gift for the host to bring along to any event. Just think about how stress free your holiday dinners will be when you order catering from Greta’s Gourmet! Why spend your day slaving away in the kitchen when you can have a gourmet meal made while you enjoy the company of your family and friends?”
Shawn Herout of Sun Valley Lanes agrees that there are several reasons why it might be better to wait, including the availability of your favorite location or schedule. He states, “Some businesses might be very busy during the holiday season, so adding a party might be more stressful to your staff at that point. Waiting until business slows might be a better option for your company. Having a post-holiday party is a great way to reward your staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year, while not complicating their schedules and plans for the holidays by adding another ‘obligation.’ Bowling is America’s largest participation sport, with more than 70 million people bowling at least once a year. Bowling appeals to a large variety of people and can be played by anyone. We are a state-of-the-art bowling facility and have recently improved our food and beverage options to provide some additional high-end menu options. We can customize a party package for small groups to large corporate events. Additionally, since we host literally hundreds of events every year, we can help take the guesswork out of making a party successful. We can help recommend multiple options to meet your budgetary needs, while ensuring that the event is fun for everyone involved, including the party planner. At Sun Valley Lanes, we handle all of the details, so your group can relax, bowl and have a great time!” He adds, “We also offer gift cards that can be purchased in any denomination, which can be used for open bowling, food, beverage or pro shop purchases. Since bowling is a great family activity that can be done by all ages, our gift certificate makes a great gift idea for everyone. And right after the holidays at Sun Valley Lanes, we ring in the New Year with bowling, food and FUN! We offer three parties throughout day and night, including two family-oriented parties and an adult party. With the chance to win prizes all day and night long, great drink specials and the certainty to have a great time with your friends and/or family, you will not regret partying the year away at Sun Valley Lanes.”
For holiday gatherings and parties, both during the month of December and afterwards, Country Inn & Suites is a lovely place to entertain your guests and loved ones. Deborah Carroll of Country Inn & Suites says, “We offer a great atmosphere and excellent food in our restaurant, Beacon Hills for small holiday office gatherings during either lunch or dinner. Or if you would like to gather for a family bunch on a Sunday around the Christmas holiday, we can accommodate groups up to 20-25 in the back of our restaurant. Of course, you would want to make a reservation for that size group but we do have plenty of times still available in December. We actually do a lot of holiday events in January and I think the main reason groups schedule post-holiday is because they get a better turnout. Prior to Christmas there are family gatherings, school functions, church functions, and of course the shopping; so trying to fit an office party into an already busy schedule doesn’t work. It is so much easier to relax and enjoy a party or dinner when you are not going through the list of things you need to accomplish in your head.” She adds, “I believe that staying focused on what the holiday is all about helps reduce stress. This is the time of year that we all over-commit, so make a promise to yourself to enjoy the season by simplifying and scheduling specific times to relax. Our restaurant is stress-free with its easy access, free parking, and quiet atmosphere. We are also happy to assist you with your post-holiday event, as we strive to make them as festive and fun to attend as the parties prior to or during the holiday season. We love to make your planning easy and fun by helping with the decorating and menu planning, as well as setting up and, most importantly, cleaning up. Stress is a real factor during the holidays that can drag a person down and distract one from the enjoyment, and we always try to minimize or eliminate the stress of planning a holiday gathering or party in any way possible.”
Angela Roeber of the Strategic Air & Space Museum adds, “Why stress over cooking, cleaning or entertaining? We have it covered and your guests will have a blast! Located only 25 minutes from either Omaha or Lincoln, the Strategic Air & Space Museum offers a number of options for your holiday party. With over 300,000 square feet of space, planning an event is easy and allows for a range of possibilities. We can accommodate a group anywhere from 20 to 2,000. We also offer free parking, open catering, and all of our parties have access to our interactive exhibits and simulator rides. This includes access to our special MathAlive! exhibit, which will be featured from now until January 5th and is fun for all ages. One of the best features of the Strategic Air & Space Museum is the glass atrium at the entrance of the Museum. This offers a unique and intimate setting for your guests underneath the SR-71 Blackbird. For larger groups you have the opportunity to rent one of the Museum’s display hangars. Both hangars allow you the opportunity to dine under the wings of our aircraft. No matter what location you choose it’s sure to be inspiring. I always suggest that our guests consider having their holiday party after the holidays if that is an option. Between personal holiday gatherings, family plans, travel, shopping, etc. there are only so many days in December. Employees will appreciate your taking their schedules into consideration and they will enjoy themselves more when their personal schedules seem to be at a lull. Also, if you are considering last-minute gifts, a Strategic Air & Space Museum membership is a great holiday gift that friends and family can enjoy throughout the entire year and it will provide experiences you won’t find anywhere else!”
Jennifer Davis-Korn of 48 Bowl agrees that for those companies that are looking to celebrate with employees after the busy holiday season, you will find that there is a little more availability and options available on their calendars in January. She adds, “If you’d like to take advantage of our best rates for the winter season, look at booking your group on a weekday afternoon or a Sunday. Fridays and Saturdays will still be busy and command our peak rates, as bowling is a seasonal business with many more people coming into the centers for their cold weather weekend entertainment at these times.” As far as parties go, New Year’s Eve parties are often the pinnacle of annual celebrations—everyone loves reminiscing about the past year and we all look forward to the excitement of the year to come. Jennifer states, “There are a lot of exciting New Year’s Eve parties going on around Lincoln and the ones offered by 48 Bowl are no exception. We have parties and open bowling for a wide variety of customers to celebrate, including family friendly activities appropriate for your little ones all the way through teens! Parkway Lanes will again host our popular Early New Year’s Eve Family Glo-Zone party from 6-8 pm on December 31st, complete with bowling, pizza, soft drinks and an early countdown in a celebration atmosphere suitable for your younger ones. If you’d like to celebrate a little less formally, Hollywood Bowl will offer a New Year’s Eve Family Party package that includes two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and soft drinks from open to 6 p.m. as lanes are available. As the hands of the clock draw closer to the midnight hour, both centers will gear up for our Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Parties that include bowling and shoe rental for up to six people, pizzas, champagne and party favors from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Complete details, including reservation information, can be found at 48bowl.com.”
There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays without losing your mind, even if you are planning to take care of things at the last minute. Remember to enjoy the little things, and try to eliminate as much stress as possible in order to focus on what really matters during the holiday season. From our family at Strictly Business to yours, we wish you all a safe and blessed holiday season and a Happy New Year!