(CNW) For many Canadians, the holidays bring added stress to already busy lives. Gill Deacon, host of CBC Television's new daytime talk show, is one such Canadian.
"I woke up in a cold sweat in late November a couple of years
ago panicking about what I still had to buy for whom and what
still needed to be prepared for the holidays. I decided then I
had to rediscover the true meaning of the season, not just
dwell in its commercialism, and I can't tell you how much more
enjoyable the holidays are for me now."
The show's family of contributing experts and host Deacon will
be offering  their best advice on how to make the holidays
a truly happy and memorable experience at 11 am (repeating
daily at 2 pm) on CBC Television for the next few weeks.
Decorator Deb Nelson advises people to keep holiday decorating
simple. Use things that you already have. For example, clear
vases can be filled with any colourful ornaments or fresh
boughs or holly. Use large oversized glass hurricanes and fill
them with inexpensive, classic red round tree ornaments. Put
them around the house or on the dining room table.
Parenting guru Alyson Shafer suggest moms take along a book to
read in long lineups and see that time as an opportunity to
relax.
Life coach Janet Eastwood says the real secret to enjoying the
holiday season is to lower expectations and focus your
energy.
Fashion stylist Linton Drummond advises women not to wait until
the very last minute to start combing the shops for fabulous
holiday clothes. Drummond also recommends shopping when you
look good with your hair done and make-up on. How else are you
going to know what the finished product will be?
Decorator Andrew Pike says candles add extra warmth at the
holidays and are always available. And don't forget the music.
Be sure to have some holiday music on hand and have it playing
in the background.
