10 ways to make the most of your holiday
With winter break right around the corner, Temple faculty and staff have shared some suggestions for making the holidays more enjoyable.
1. How to stay fit Tricia DePoe, fitness coordinator for Campus Recreation, says to “eat whatever you want on the holiday day, but then get right back on track the next day; don’t let it snowball.” She explains that depriving yourself will leave you more likely to binge when you do actually eat. Of course, DePoe also recommends exercise and starting your new year’s resolution early. “Start eating right and exercising today and then you won’t feel as guilty when you do celebrate the holidays. Another benefit of exercise is reducing stress levels — we all need that this time of year!” 2. How to save money “Before you buy gifts, set an overall limit and a limit per person for each gift — and stay within the limits. Otherwise, people end up spending from the heart and usually beyond their means.” Of course, he adds: “The best way to save money during the holiday is not to spend.” 3. Where to go - The Messiah Sing-Along at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia (Dec.10, 7:30 p.m.). 4. What to watch Eastern Promises: “It has tense drama, richly layered characters, amazing screen acting by Viggo Mortensen and David Cronenberg’s superb directing.” Bass also suggests seeing American Gangster and Gone Baby Gone because of the Temple alumni connection: Alumnus Larry McConkey did camera work in American Gangster and alumnus William Goldenberg did editing for Gone Baby Gone. 5. How to give back Check Ways to Give 2007 in the Online Newsroom for a complete list. 6. What to grow Poinsettia: “This is a very popular favorite. If you are bored of red they are now available in tasteful cream and in luminous blue! These plants are from Mexico so do not take them from the shop to car in cold weather without wrapping them up. They need a warmer windowsill. Water when the soil surface seems dry.” Amaryllis: “Can be grown from a big bulb- directions are on the 'In Bloom' for November- on the Temple Ambler Website. Spectacular- conversation piece. Tall flower spike that opens with huge lily like flowers. In shades of red, white, peach coral, pink and several of the colors combined.” Paperwhites: “Very easy to grow and look like a white multi-headed daffodil — which they are — but an indoor one. Buy the bulbs and plant in a pot of soil or pebbles. Some people love the strong musky fragrance — others loathe it. Only takes a few weeks to flower from the bulb. The top of the bulb should be sticking out of the soil or pebbles. Water to the roots only, not above.” Herbs: “The last choice is non-traditional. I love to grow herbs inside in the winter. They are great on a sunny kitchen windowsill, as you can cut some thyme or rosemary for your cooking and throw it right into the pot (great on roast meat or potatoes). A small bay laurel tree is another good choice. The leaves are used in stews — removed before eating. The more that you use the herbs, the more full the plant. In the summer after Mother's Day, the herbs can be planted outside.” 7. What to play For the Nintendo Wii: “Super Mario Galaxy,” “Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles” and “Trauma Center.” For Xbox 360: “Halo III” and “Call of Duty 4.” For the PS3: “Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune” is a “good action adventure game” and “Ratchet” and “Clank Future: Tools of Destruction” “have outstanding graphics.” For handhelds: “’Medal of Honor Heroes II’ is a great game for the PSP” and “The Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass” for Nintendo DS “is unique because the stylist is used for the whole game.” As for that universal favorite, “Guitar Hero”: “The best version can be played on Xbox 360, but the Nintendo Wii version is less expensive.” 8. What to buy 9. Where to slide 10. What to read: “You could opt for something outrageously funny like Stephen Colbert’s I Am America (And So Can You!). John Grisham deviates from his normal legal thriller in Playing for Pizza, a novel about a third-string NFL quarterback who joins the Parma (Italy) Panthers. Oliver Stone’s past catches up with him as he becomes the target of a vengeful murderer in David Baldacci’s latest Camel Club novel. “Indulge yourself by reading Danielle Steel’s latest offering about three women coping with the aftermath of a Bay area earthquake. Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series continues with Making Money, providing a humorous look at banking and economics. Be careful, though, for despite its comic tone, you may learn something. “The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without thinking about New Year’s resolutions, and Michael Roizen’s and Mehmet Oz’s You, Staying Young: The Owner’s Manual for Extending Your Warranty may just provide you with the incentive to work at being a better you.” When it comes to good books, there’s something for everyone, says Brigham: Humor Fiction Mystery/Thriller Romance Science Fiction/Fantasy Nonfiction — Written by Victoria Coll Excerpts of this holiday feature were included in the Temple Times’ final issue of the semester, published Dec. 6. |