Last Friday marked the beginning of the Christmas rush and was there ever a rush? The lines in front of some stores were longer than the Great Wall of China (only slower moving). And at a few stores, there were even stampedes, as shoppers stopped over (and on) their fellow man for the privilege of buying a DVD player at 50% off. What an interesting way for us to start this season of peace on earth and goodwill towards man (so long as they aren’t in front of you in the checkout line).

Seriously, with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s important for each of us to remember that this is the season to be sensible. And I’m not just referring to keeping our heads while waiting in lines at department stores or looking for a parking space in the mall. We should also keep control of our finances, health and time in this season as well.

For far too many people, this will be the season to go broke, as they shop until their credit scores drop. Each year, millions of Americans go deeper into debt as they attempt to prove that “expensive presents speak louder than words.” Many of these people will spend the next twelve months paying for the excesses of a month-long spending spree; and these will be the lucky ones. Others will spend the next 2, 3 or 10 years playing financial “catch up.”

It’s equally important to remain sensible around the dinner table. With all of the great food being served during the holidays, staying true to a diet or health food regimen becomes nearly impossible. In fact, I’m not even suggesting that you attempt to avoid all of the cakes, pies, cookies and other goodies that will be thrust upon you in the next few weeks. After all, what’s the point of life if you can’t treat yourself from time to time?

However, I am suggesting that you don’t get carried away. Have a slice of cake or a slice of pie; not the whole thing. Likewise, while I realize that your wife, mother, aunt or whomever may make the best stuffing in three counties, a sixth helping of it on Christmas really isn’t helping anyone, especially you. You don’t want to spend the next twelve months trying to lose the weight you gained during one month of reckless eating.

Likewise, you don’t want to completely throw out your exercise plans during the holidays. Certainly, with the demands of the season, you may have to alter your plans. In fact, it’s entirely likely that you’ll miss a few days of exercise. However, don’t let a few days turn into, say, 28 days.

Finally, the holidays are a great time for spending time with family and loved ones. In fact, if you’re anything like me, it’s probably your favorite part of the season. Yet, make sure to set aside a little time during the next month for yourself. After all, you are coming to the end of what I hope was one of the most productive and fulfilling years of your life. And hopefully, the best is yet to come.

Yet, the best will not come without a little help on your part. In other words, if 2006 is going to the year that you finally get that business off the ground, get that big promotion at work, finish the great American novel, take your family on the whirlwind vacation you’ve always dreamed about, give more of your time and money to civic or religious causes, run for office or what have you, then you’re going to need to do some planning up-front. Therefore, don’t get so carried away in the camaraderie of the holidays, that you don’t spend that all-important time with yourself as you get ready for next year.

In short, as you celebrate the end of 2005, I wish you all of the joy, love and peace that the holiday season has to offer. I also wish you the temperance to enjoy it sensibly, so that you start the new year in peak physical, financial and mental condition.