11.What about a lack of money. Social pressures of "giving" often brought on by expectations induced by the media or childrens expectations can also cause stress and lead to excessive spending on credit cards. The result is overextended credit so that the happy new year brings wilted poinsettias and bills that can't be met. Refer to #8. Focus on "doing."

12.Send "Thanksgiving" cards instead of Christmas cards this year. Thanksgiving and Christmas are both holidays that focus on giving. Thanksgiving: Giving thanks. Christmas: Giving gifts. Thanksgiving's giving acknowledges people. Focus on giving "thanks" to those people who are in your life. Take time to personalize your greeting. Do your best to acknowledge them for something special. This will make you feel good about yourself and may put you in more of the holiday spirit.

13.Have your "First Annual Thanksgiving" feast for other single friends. To make sure everyone gets involved, have them bring a favorite dish to share. Have a few special friends over to prepare a turkey. Before the meal, share what you are thankful for or a special holiday memory and ask everyone else to do the same. Another idea would be to have a "tree decorating party" or a Hanukkah dinner with your special friends.

14.Host an alcohol-free "Holiday Hayride" to look at the Christmas lights. Solicit volunteers to help you make a batch of cider or hot coffee. Sing Christmas carols at each stop. Check your local newspaper for a list of houses to tour.

15. Visit a nursing home. Boost the spirits of some lonely old folks. Be there for them with a listening ear and arms that embrace. You think you're lonely? Volunteer! Statistics show that many elderly people are often forgotten during the holidays. Your visit will ALWAYS be appreciated! Give them a small homemade gift or a holiday card. Spread some holiday cheer! Also consider a hospice or children's hospital.

16.Be Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus to others this year. Run an ad in the local paper. Rent yourself out or do it for free. One year I played Santa Claus to a family whose father had lost his job. The children were not getting any toys for Christmas that year. My friends bought gifts for the children and I delivered them dressed as Santa Claus. When you bring joy to others, a little of it always stays with the giver.

17.Catch up on your ZZZZZZZZZZs! Take care of yourself - get more sleep! A recent survey by the Better Sleep Council reported 51 percent of Americans say stress disturbs their sleep. Unwind early in the evening, cut down on stimulants and follow other tips at www.SleepFoundation.org.

18.Treat yourself to a pre-holiday pampering. Play a round of golf. Schedule a full-body massage. Maybe you've always wanted to go to a football game on Thanksgiving Day, perhaps you always dreamed of caroling on Christmas Eve or hoped to host a Kwanzaa feast. Now is your chance to fulfill your holiday wish list. Do something special for YOU!

19.Can't find any humor in the holidaze? Do something to make yourself laugh. Rent a funny video. Laugh. Use humor to transcend your stressful situation. Read some jokes at: www.CelebrateIntimacy.com, www.WhichIsWorse.com or www.Bored.com.

20.Plan ahead. Get ready for next year now. Create a holiday file, adding articles, jokes, and ideas that you'd like to try and jotting down what worked and what didn't. Recycle holiday cards to preschools and children's hospitals for art projects.

21.Take a long walk in your own neighborhood. Leave the cellphone and pager at home. Ahhh! Some time to myself! Check out the Christmas decorations. Let your senses soak in the sights, sounds and smells of the season. Rekindle that childhood feeling of innocence and wonder. Touch the soft bows and cuddly bears. Smell the scent of pine and apple cider. Taste the delicacies; savor them instead of scarfing them. Stop to reflect in front of the lights - be they in the shape of a star or a tree or a Santa figure - they are all beautiful and fun! Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that clears your mind, slows your breathing and restores your calm.

22.Imagine what your ideal holiday would be like. Determine your goals for this holiday season and keep them in the forefront of your mind. Curl up on the couch with hot chocolate and a warm blanket as you make your plans. Everything you do should be weighed against these goals. Choose only to pursue what will nurture your image of a wonderful holiday.

23.Pay attention to your breathing. Breathe deeply. Sit tall, with your pelvis tucked, shoulders, back and chin up. Inhale for three seconds, hold for three, exhale for three and hold for three. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Leave out the holding part if you have cardiac problems. Repeat for two to five minutes and do several times each day, especially before going into a stressful situation. Gradually, increase the number of seconds. Take care of YOU!

24.Consider attending a holiday dance or "mixer" event just for singles. You never know! You just may end up with a budding relationship, and the least you'll find is a night of fun. Consider going with another single friend. That way, you will both have someone to talk with, laugh with and stay occupied, without fixating on the awkwardness you may feel when other couples snuggle and dance.

25.Be proactive. Call up other people who might be on their own and arrange a holiday dinner, agreeing to split the meal preparation duties. Lots of singles look forward to their "orphans' Thanksgiving or Christmas" each year, celebrating with old friends and new ones. Don't wait till the last minute to invite them. Don't assume that everyone you know will be busy throughout the holidays. Even if they have family commitments, they still might welcome the opportunity to escape to spend some time with you.

26.Take a hike to that trendy eatery you've been eyeing for a while, or stop by the deli counter at the supermarket and try some interesting ethnic dishes. Buy a great big steak and your favorite bottle of wine and savor both. The holidays are synonymous with good food, so why not enjoy it, even solo?