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Tips to help you do just that. 

Food has become the focal point of many holiday traditions, but it doesn’t need to stay that way. Expand your focus beyond food and you’ll be a positive influence on those around you. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Indulgences are part of the season–treat all of your senses, not just your taste buds. Flood your life with music that uplifts and soothes. Create a peaceful retreat spot in your home complete with soft lighting, instrumental music and pleasant fragrances. Take a bubble bath. Snuggle up with a soft throw. Indulge in a massage, manicure, pedicure or new hairstyle.
• Gatherings of friends, families and co-workers should have more going for them than the food that is served. Plan activities that help people interact and enjoy each other’s company. Take a walk together, go bowling, have a team laser tag tournament, decorate, make a craft or play games.
• Start or participate in a Secret Santa program. You’ll have fun searching for small gifts to delight another and in the thrill of delivering the gifts without getting caught. This works well in many workplaces or neighborhoods.
• Be inspired through reading. If you’re short on time, a collection of one-page stories, devotionals, or quotes may be the answer. Listening to an audio book while driving or exercising is an alternative.
• Make an extra effort to reach out to family and friends, especially those you don’t regularly connect with.
• While you are out shopping, pick up small things for yourself that you wouldn’t normally buy.

Tips to help you do just that. 

Sugar Free Russian Tea

4 1/2 teaspoons sugar-free orange drink mix
3 1/2 teaspoons sugar-free lemon drink mix
1/3 cup Splenda, stevia or erythritol
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in an airtight container. To prepare one serving, add 1/4 teaspoon of mix to 3/4 cup hot water and stir well. Makes 48 servings.

Nutrition information <1 calorie, 0 grams protein, 0 grams fat, 0 grams carbohydrate, 4 mg sodium.