Poor behavior at office parties may hurt your career: Too many drinks combined with poor behavior at an office holiday party could signal the demise of employment for some employees, warns Lynne Richardson, dean of the Miller College of Business. She says employees should be on their best behavior and treat the annual holiday office party as an extension of work. Supervisors can and will hold employees accountable for inappropriate actions at such events. Richardson advises that party participants should avoid excessive alcohol consumption, dress appropriately, abstain from sensitive work-related issues and bring a date only if told it is appropriate.
Workplace target of thieves during the holidays: The number of thefts from offices, buildings and other workplace areas jump dramatically during the holiday season, says Robert Fey, associate director of the university's public safety department. To avoid becoming a victim, office workers should keep doors closed, secure portable equipment, never leave an office unattended and watch visitors closely. Fey also advises shoppers to place recent purchases out of view in the trunks of their cars to deter potential thefts.
Walking can keep off the holiday pounds: Brisk walks can help people from adding weight during the holidays, says Lenny Kaminsky, Adult Physical Fitness Program director. A typical person may gain a few pounds during the holidays because of an abundance of food combined with cold weather that restricts many outdoor activities. Walking an average of 30 minutes daily would meet the minimum exercise guidelines established by the U.S. Surgeon General.
There are a few simple rules for dealing with holiday stress: While the holidays are supposed to be filled with cheer and festivities, many people will suffer bouts of depression because the season does not live up to their dreams of being perfect. To manage the holidays in a healthy fashion, psychologist Jay Zimmerman suggests that people should lower expectations about achieving the perfect holiday, avoid or reduce alcohol consumption, continue or start an exercise program, leave uncomfortable gatherings, and spend time with friends or relatives you trust.
Eat first, shop later: Shopping on an empty stomach may contribute to an increase in impulsive shopping, causing consumers to overspend during the holiday season. John Fitzgerald, a personal finance professor, says studies show that hungry people tend to shop at a faster pace. Besides having a good meal prior to shopping, he advises shopping early, establishing a budget and planning all purchases before hitting the mall.
Best gift for students is no homework over the holidays: Assigning homework over the holidays to K-12 students could be the worst present a teacher could give. Both parents and students need a break from writing papers, reading assignments and studying. The holidays serve as a great time for youngsters to recharge before classes begin in early January, says Larry Smith, an elementary education professor.
Puppies and kittens are the wrong gift during the season: While a cute puppy and cuddly kitten for a young child or older adult may seem to be the best Christmas morning gift, consider the health and safety of the animal, says Dan Lapsley, an educational psychologist. The animal has just been brought into ultimate chaos, which is a terrifying experience. The physical environment is also extremely dangerous, and it is a day when family members are going to be distracted by other gifts.
Star of Bethlehem has several scientific explanations: The biblical story of a bright star marking the birth of Jesus may have a scientific explanation, including a comet, exploding sun or an unusual alignment of planets.
Parents should read the classics to promote literacy: Parents wanting to create a new family tradition and promote literacy should read their favorite holiday books to their children. Reciting the story of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Prancer" or "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" allows children to use their imagination, says Claudia McVicker, elementary education professor. It also spurs an interest in reading among youngsters.
It is better to give than receive: Youngsters are excited on Christmas morning when they open their gifts, but piles of presents will not provide them with the true meaning of the holidays. Instead, parents should emphasize to children the value of giving by having them personally give a present and then completely examine a gift before moving to the next one.
Restaurant industry has nearly made home cooking obsolete: A society constantly on the go leaves many families without enough time to shop and prepare traditional holiday meals. The restaurant industry has stepped in, providing millions of Americans the option of dining out or catering meals instead of slaving over hot stoves and cold microwaves, said James Lowry, a marketing professor.
Cold holiday season costs millions: Consumers should be ready to shell out money to prepare for the annual blast of winter, spending millions on shovels, coats, snow removal and storm-related damage. A typical winter yields about 11 blizzards that create about $551 million in property damage, says Robert Schwartz, a winter weather expert.
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