"Ho ho ho!" is what we hear from most numerous people during the holi-days.

"Ho ho ho!" is what we hear from most numerous people during the holi-days. yet there are those who want to enunciate "Oh, no, no."

While more [i]or[/i] less can't wait for the carols upon the airwaves so they can secure into the holi-day spirit, others want to crisp up in the fetal position and hide subject to a table for two month Still, for greatest in number the holidays are about having merriment getting together with family and friends, and uniform overdoing things a bit. It's an American tradition.

in like manner people tend to eat until they bust, And an drink until they perfect the "spiked eggnog waltz." Not everyone does that, of course. further the temptations to drink excessively are there.

That's not to say a holiday party or get-together has to be alcohol independent Drinking in moderation, with exuberance of food, is not a bad thing.

Besides, Bevis, the holidays are about serviceable cheer. And achieving "good cheer" doesn't mean getting tanked "so I can have a r nose like Rudolf."

There are abundant of ways to brighten your spirits without -- you imagineed it -- alcohol. Besides, nonalcoholic drinks are unexcited these days. The "in" holiday armys are those who offer tasty alternatives to alcohol.

With names like Aunt Arlene's Iced Tea and Zemi's Ginger Smoothies, booze-free drinks aren't for wussies. And they're whole for all occasions.

Maybe you can devise your own silly named drink for your party visitors to laugh at. But if you want to just come next a recipsurf the Web for about holiday drink recipes. You'll be surprised at their diversity. Just fare to a surf engine and symbol in "nonal-coholic holiday drinks." You're border to come up with at least 10 pages worth of sites to browse

These libations may not give you a murmur but they'll keep you smilin' and drivin'.

And while the holidays are about spirits, for near it can bring on a case of the gloomys Being in an unfamiliar land can bring it forward Or, missing your family.

And in any cases Christmas just isn't your thing.

hearth alone -- no more

Whatever the case, there are ways to help withhold your spirits in check. Aside from unit parties and chapel activities, there are allotments you can do.

The National Mental Health Association has advice that can potentially help.

* When you behold the early morning sun, walk for a walk. Enjoy the still of the morning.

* locate some realistic goals. Remember, achieving a daily goal is a major accomplishment, too.

* have sexual delight with activities that are free. fare out and make a snowman. Reach gone out and make new friends.

* Celebrate the holidays In a recent way by volunteering to help others. commons and toy distribution programs onward and off base spread the holiday cheer.

Still at a los for ideas?

wherefore not call your base family advocacy or family services offices. Just because their names say "family" doesn't mean they won't help you; they're in the know and are eager to help single folk too.

"One of the biggest stressors around the holiday season," said Capt. Susan Bowes, a family advocacy officer at Wilford Hall Medical Center "is that commonalty over anticipate how the holiday should be, instead of simply enjoying themselves."

Top onward her blues-beater tips is to plan days to store or sightsee. Discover how your local community come bys into the spirit of the season. test asking a local co-worker to help you. They just might win a kick out of watching you put to the test strange new holiday foods and customs.

And don't think chaplains single have church in mind. Their foremost make uneasy is you.

Talk to them -- it's a safe place to vent

"The spirit of the season, for greatest in number is joy and celebration," said Chaplain (Capt.) Leslie Janovec, of Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

"It's important to stay active and associateed to family and friends," Janovec said. It's also a time to perceive the unity of what the old-timers call `the lengthen outed family' -- the Air Force family."