10 ways to pamper yourself during the holidays

6. Rent your favourite flick
Dedicate an evening to pajamas and popcorn and rent your favourite movie. Send your hubby and kids on their way or tell friends you are flying solo as you slouch into the couch and watch something that's chosen just for you.

7. Buy yourself a present
Forget what Uncle Robert wants this holiday season for a moment and buy that pair of gorgeous earrings or those to-die-for boots you're longing for. You don't have to spend a fortune on yourself; a little token will make up for all that mall-hopping.

8. Just breathe
Concentrated breathing helps calm your nerves and lets you step back from a strenuous situation. Begin by closing your eyes for a few minutes, keep your back straight and take a deep, audible sigh, then silently inhale and notice how slow and deep you can comfortably breathe. Check out (www.drweil.com for more breathing exercises.

9. Visit an art gallery
During busy times, we forget to indulge our senses with the beauty that surrounds us. Leave the outside world behind for a while and become enraptured by colours and textures at your local art gallery.

10. Chat with a friend
Not every social gathering demands your skills as a hostess. Meet your friends at a local coffee shop and dish the dirt on the latest gossip. Keep it local -- meeting at a busy mall will only remind you of unfinished gift lists.

Don't allow feelings of guilt to work their way into your plans for pampering yourself. Remember that it's not your responsibility to ensure everyone is having a good time during the holidays, but if you're able to peacefully enjoy the delights of the season, your joy just may become contagious.