Several years ago, I was talking with a friend about how much I didn't look forward to the holiday season. She responded by telling me that she gave up the holidays. Her simple statement that she "doesn't do the holidays" was powerful. I remember feeling shocked that she had actually opted-out. My shock quickly turned to curiosity. What did she do while everyone else was tossing the tinsel and getting all wrapped up in the holiday frenzy?

My friend is self-employed and her business usually slows down around the holidays. She takes the time and does some things that she normally doesn't have time to do, like sit by a fire, read a good book or go ice skating on a favorite pond. She stays home. She relishes in the peace and quiet. She doesn't agonize over spending time with her extended family and going through the motions of politeness. She doesn't shop endlessly for gifts that she can't afford or attend parties with food that only ends up giving her indigestion and added calories.

Okay, so her way of "not" spending the holidays may seem extreme to many of us. My point is that there are a myriad of choices when it comes to creating authentic ways to spend the upcoming holidays. Only you know what puts the "Bah" in your Humbug!

Spend some time now and reflect on what it is that you most enjoy about this time of year. What would bring you peace, contentment and joy this holiday season?

If you don't have a plan for self-care, now is the time to make one that includes your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. A self-care plan will keep you centered and resilient.

What do you need to do for yourself on a regular basis in order to feel your best? Your self-care plan will also be your insurance against the flu and other viruses that just love to take up residence in a tired, worn out body. Take the time to be good to yourself.

Finally, prioritize activities that you and your family want to be involved in this year. Maybe its serving others who are in need by volunteering some time at a local soup kitchen or shelter. Decorating your home in celebration of the season. Cooking special meals and making gifts for friends and loved ones. Watching classic Christmas movies. Creating and crafting your own gifts. Enjoying the Christmas music and decorations.

Remember the antidote to exhaustion is whole-heartedness. What do you want to put your whole heart into this season? The answer could change your Bah to Ahhhhhhhh!

Nancy D. Bishop is a Life Coach and Inspirational Writer. She coaches professional women at midlife who are in transition. For information about her coaching programs visit http://www.yourlifeyourway.com