At this time of year a question often posed by pundits is, “Do we say Merry Christmas (traditional) or Happy Holidays (politically correct)? Personally, I’m fine with either/both; however, what does bother me is being told I cannot say one and must say the other. Hello! Whatever happened to freedom of speech? I have many friends who are Jewish, and I’m quite comfortable wishing them Happy Hanukah, just as they are comfortable telling my Merry Christmas. Yes, Happy Holidays would work both ways, but would also detract somewhat from the spirit of the season as it is celebrated respectively, don’t you think? Sort of the way some people call all kids “Honey,” raising the suspicion they may not know the child’s name. Or how about in a romantic relationship where someone who only calls you, “Sweetie.” Hmmm... Doesn’t that make you wonder? So, because I don’t know your preference toward the end of 2011, let me simply say, “GREETINGS!”

Speaking of which, our new line of greeting cards has found a new home at Artesian Natural Foods in Lincoln Center, Stockton. Each get well card bears the Seneca quote Nothing is more helpful to healing than the affection of true friends along with one of 10 breathtaking scenic photos from which to choose. The inside is blank so that a personal note can be written, and every card includes our Inner Journey meditation CD, making each card a thoughtful expression that actually helps a person get well! We also have a sympathy card that includes a meditation CD to help ease the pain of personal loss. It was inspired by the request of a client whose son-in-law met a senseless, violent death while still in his thirties.

Artesian also carries our full line of self-hypnosis CDs, as well as our book Charming Children -- How the Relaxation Game Helps Good Parents Raise Great Kids. It makes a great gift for adult children who are raising their own little ones, or who are caring for children in another capacity. The focus of the book is to help adults create and maintain a psychologically sound environment for young people who are arbitrarily subjected to influence from so many sources, some of which is less than desirable. I (Ginny) have been told by countless readers that Charming Children is a fun read as well as informative (without being overwhelming).

My Traditional Yoga class at UOP is finished for this semester. One of the questions appearing on the final exam was multiple choice, as follows: Tension is physical. Stress is __________ tension. Optional answers: unnecessary, mental, unhealthy, and painful. Many of the students chose unnecessary, which is of course incorrect. We need some stress in our lives. It helps to motivate us mentally just as tension each time we use a muscle helps move us physically along our path. Our goal is to recognize stress as a natural part of life and to find a way to deal with it so that we control it rather than letting it control us.

It’s like riding a horse. Either you or the horse is in charge, and for safety’s sake it better be you! Prevention, it goes without saying, trumps damage control. That’s why reins and stirrups (and for some riders, a helmet) come in so handy. Apart from the cowboy or cowgirl (or equestrian) experience, when you are in the position of anticipating difficulties, remember: mindset matters. Mindset means making up your mind beforehand. Sometimes when things don’t go according to plans it’s because there was no plan; so plan in advance how you are going to deal with the extra calories that raise their pesky little heads at this time of year, or how to avoid that coworker who is always so annoying at the office party, or the pressure being put on you by merchants to spend, spend, spend whether you can afford it or not. On horseback when you come to a fork in the road it’s your obligation to yourself and to your horse to make sure the two of you take the route of your choosing. Otherwise that horse is running away with you -- even if it’s walking.

On the subject of horses, I’ve recently moved my Morgan Quarter horse to a new boarding facility. Where she was for the past five years or so was nice, but kept getting nicer, which may not sound like a problem but it was. As in “too much of a good thing.” I like simple. I like rustic. What at first seemed like a great place to “cowgirl up” turned out to become over time more and more of a place for dressage, with amenities I was paying for but not using. Now Brandi is at a “real” horse ranch, and settling in -- with some stress of her own, unfortunately. This, of course inspired a blog titled “A Little Change Can Make a Big Difference” in which I write about the human tendency to resist change -- even when change is a good thing. If interested, click on www.DocGinDigsIn.blogspot.com.

A delightful change in our lives this past week is sweet Scarlett Rachel Clark’s birth on December 5^th. Mother, daughter, dad and three -- count them, three big sisters all doing well. (Well, as well as can be expected for little Olivia, who turned one in September and is quite accustomed to being THE baby of the family)!

Speaking of sweet, here’s a riddle for you: Q. How are grandkids like chocolate chip coolies? A. There's no such thing as too many!