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6 Essential Mental Health Tips to Keep in Mind

Improving mental health can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. These tips can help us reassess our habits and make small changes that can have a significant impact… CONTINUE READING >>

It’s essential to keep your mental health in check. But, the truth is, it can be challenging to do this when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, or burnt out. So when you feel like this – and maybe even on days where you don’t – here are six tips that will help guide you through the process of improving your mental health.

1. Get enough sleep.

One of the most important things you can do for your mental health is to make sure that you’re getting enough sleep. This means aiming for at least eight hours per night, if not more. When you don’t get enough sleep, it can be challenging to think clearly and focus on tasks. You’re also more likely to feel stressed out and overwhelmed when you’re tired. Suppose you find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. In that case, there are a few things you can do:

    • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
    • Establish a regular bedtime routine.
    • Keep your bedroom cool and dark.
    • Practice some relaxation techniques before bed.

If you consistently have trouble sleeping, talking to your doctor about potential solutions may be worth talking to your doctor. They may recommend medications or therapies that can help you get the sleep you need.

2. Get professional help if you need it.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts to improve our mental well-being, we can’t do it independently. If this is the case for you, if your unhealthy habits lead you down a dangerous path and make your life difficult in ways that even sleep cannot fix, don’t be afraid to reach out for professional help. There are so many resources available beyond traditional therapy options like counselors or psychiatrists: online https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/california/, support groups at local churches or mosques, etc. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak; it takes courage to admit when something isn’t working anymore and take steps towards change.

3. Exercise regularly.

Exercise is important for your physical health, but did you know that it’s also incredibly beneficial to your mental wellbeing? Exercise can help improve mood and reduce stress. It releases endorphins into the body which have a natural “happy” effect on us. And when we’re happy, our minds are more at ease – meaning less ruminating over negative thoughts or worrying about what might happen in the future! If you don’t already exercise regularly, start slowly by incorporating one simple activity each day. If you aren’t sure where to begin, try walking around your neighborhood after dinner or taking an evening jog through a park near your house. As this becomes easier and feels more enjoyable, consider adding some other types of activities like yoga or strength training into your routine.

4. Drink plenty of water every day.

One of the simplest things we can do to feel better is to drink more water! Water helps keep our skin clear and healthy, and it flushes out toxins in our bodies. These toxins build up when we don’t drink enough water – they’re often associated with headaches, dry mouth, or fatigue. You should aim for at least eight glasses per day; if you exercise regularly or live somewhere extremely hot (or both), you may need even more than that.

5. Practice mindfulness meditation.

Mindfulness meditation is a type of mindfulness that focuses on the present moment. When you practice mindfulness meditation, you’re essentially training your brain to focus on what’s happening in the present and not worry about the past or future. This can be helpful when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, as it allows you to take a step back and reassess the situation. Mindfulness meditation can be practiced in several ways: countless apps and online courses are available, or you can find a quiet place to sit and focus on your breath for five minutes.

6. Surround yourself with positive people.

If you’re constantly surrounded by people who are judgmental, harmful, or unsupportive of what makes you happy, it’s time to reevaluate your social circle. These types of people will only cause mental health worse; they’ll never encourage you when things get tough and always discourage positivity in any form. Suppose this sounds like the type of environment. In that case, you find yourself regularly – even if everyone is “just trying to be helpful” – don’t hesitate to distance yourself from these toxic relationships for good.

Improving our mental health can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. These six tips should serve as a guide to help us reassess our habits and make small changes that can have a significant impact down the line. Improving our mental well-being is essential, not only for ourselves but also for those around us. When we’re feeling good mentally, we tend to radiate happiness and positivity – both of which are essential in creating a happy life.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Benefits of Using VAT Software for Your Hotel

Working within the hospitality industry is incredibly rewarding. Along with your employees, you’re responsible for creating the perfect getaway and experience for your hotel guests, whether it’s making things extra special for a romantic occasion or ensuring a guest with specific health requirements enjoys their stay as much as everyone else.

Hoteliers thrive on this kind of work, knowing that a good guest experience can almost guarantee repeat custom and positive recommendations further down the line. However, when it comes to running a hotel, it’s not all about breakfast orders and crisp linen. The business and administrative side of your hotel is just as demanding, often leaving hoteliers spread too thinly. One of the most notoriously complicated and time-consuming elements of running a hotel is handling VAT and filing those dreaded returns.

So complex and confusing is this quarterly requirement that many hoteliers find themselves neglecting other elements of their business while they attempt to get their VAT returns in order. And this is why it’s recommended that hoteliers like you, do your VAT return online via VAT software to streamline the process. Want to know more? Read on to discover the benefits of using VAT software in your hotel.

You Can Submit on Time

Utilising the latest VAT software means you no longer have to wait until those final VAT submission warnings to land in your inbox. Or scramble to find the relevant documents to fill in an accurate report. Helpful reminders and the ability to track multiple VAT periods means that you’ll always have access to all your VAT data with just a few clicks, ensuring you submit your VAT return to HMRC on time, every time.

It’s All Calculated for You

This easy to use Making Tax Digital compliant software, takes the complexity out of VAT returns, giving you more time to focus on the day-to-day running of your hotel. With just a few clicks you can run reports, select the right rate and have all your calculations done for you. No more long nights punching numbers into a calculator and hoping to come up with the right data – with tax software, you can submit your tax returns to HMRC with ease.

A Better Understanding of Your Finances

With tax software, you no longer have to rely on boxes and files of paper documents to track your VAT activities or your other financial accounts. Using this software means a singular and detailed digital paper trail, which can also be incorporated with your other accounts, to make understanding your finances easier. Which in turn, means better business decisions for your hotel moving forward.

Fewer Mistakes

Human error is to be expected. However, when it comes to submitting a VAT return for your hotel, mistakes can quickly spiral out of control, leading to penalties and even audit investigations. Again VAT software can help you here. As all your calculations are done for you – the risk of errors is eliminated.

If you’re a hotelier, looking to streamline the accounting process of your business, consider implementing VAT software.

5 MUST VISIT PLACES IN THE US IN 2022

America, Is one of the most naturally diverse countries in the world. You can find everything from sandy beaches to deserts and a fair share of mountain ranges. Other than natural beauty, there are tons of things you can do in any city or any state. This article will talk about some of the must-see places in the US this year. Whether you are a nature lover or someone who enjoys spending time in the city, this article is for you.
We will cover several places that you can choose from. We will center this article on family-friendly locations, but rest assured, you can enjoy yourself just fine if you find yourself around these places on a solo trip. With restrictions lifting and being imposed sporadically, we recommend that you time your trip according to whatever update the CDC provides.

On that note, here are some of the must-see places in the US. This article is for you whether you are a US citizen or here on holiday.

Branson, MO

When traveling around the US, a visit to Missouri might not be the first thought you have. Sure the major cities have a ton of sites to see and are individual metropolises in their own right; however, when you get to smaller cities like Branson you really get to experience the true Missouri charm.
When it comes to things to do in Branson MO, it’s going to be hard to fit everything in. The town itself is built around theme parks, carnivals, and other fun stuff to keep the average family occupied.

If you get bored, Lake Ozarks is just a couple of hours away, and major cities like Kansas City and St. Louis aren’t more than four hours away.

Orlando, Florida

Florida in general, is a warm, sunny and fun place to visit. The gorgeous beaches make it one of the hottest spots for a summer visit if you want to splash around in the water.
If you are in Orlando, consider visiting Disney World and Universal Studios. If you are traveling with family, Disney world can be one of the most fun adventures that you will certainly remember for years to come.

Moreover, if you get bored, you can always make your way around the state and visit other cities like Miami and Tallahassee. Perhaps you could even visit the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

When it comes to the mountains, TN is one of the best places you can consider. It is one place where the mountains and the culture are so closely intertwined. With Dollywood right next door, you can be sure that there is never a dull moment on your Smoky Mountain holiday.
If you do find yourself in the Smoky’s consider staying in some of the many cabins that they have on rent. A hotel stay simply won’t do the experience justice, and you might leave satisfied if you opt for these amazing cabins instead.

Moreover, while you are there, make sure you experience the rawness of mountain nature. The fresh air, greenery, and wildlife can make this experience ten times better if you spend more time outside than indoors.

Los Angeles, California

LA is perhaps the second most popular city in America after NYC. LA is the heart of all things entertainment and attracts tourists from around the country and the world. From the Venice Boardwalk to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, there is simply so much to see in LA that you might want to book an extended trip to take everything in.
With the Hollywood sign as the backdrop in the city, it’s hard to ignore the sheer charm of the city. You can’t help but realize the proximity to some of the biggest stars in the world. From socialites to movie stars, music personalities, and sportspeople, everyone lives in this city, and don’t be surprised if you see an A-lister next to you at the traffic light.

New York, New York

New York is probably the most identifiable city on the planet. A mere glimpse in a picture is enough for you to cite the city. Whether you are traveling alone or with your family/ friends, make sure you see some of the popular sites around NYC.
Grand central station, Times Square, Central Park, and a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty are a must when visiting the city. Moreover, the place is equipped with a ton of bars, clubs, and cafes to take in the charm of the city.

Make the trip authentic by walking around, using the subway, or the famous yellow cabs that NYC is known for. To top it off, fly in and out of JFK and you have the full NY experience.

Conclusion

There we have some of the best places to visit in the US. Therefore, whether you are traveling to the States or already reside yet want to see more, these are the places you might want to start with. From little cities in Missouri to the bright lights of New York. We have gone over five cities that we think everyone should see once in their life.

Now book your tickets, pack your bags, and get traveling!

It’s Manatee Time Again!

Florida’s west coast  is a manatee Mecca.

At least a dozen manatees began their leisurely evening swim out to the open water – passing right under our bridge! We gasped as we saw mama manatees with their calves in… CONTINUE READING >>

Florida is the place to be this time of year if golf is your game, but for those of us who just get frustrated chasing a little ball around, winter offers another type of tee… Manatees.

We love manatees!Good thing too, ’cause the way we play golf can be dangerous down here.

Too many gators out in the wild and swampy rough where we would spend most of our time searching for wayward shots.

Another plus, no worries about getting a tee time on a crowded course, from November to March the manatees are almost always ready to play. The giant marine mammals come down here to escape the cold, hmmm, just like the golfers.

But unlike the duffers, they prefer warm, shallow water to the fairway.

Manatee exhibit

On Florida’s east coast, the area around Ft. Pierce has plenty of water like that, it is kind of a manatee Mecca. So much so that it is home to The Manatee Observation and Education Center.

The Center overlooks the spot where Moore’s Creek flows into the Indian River Lagoon, a perfect vantage point for viewing these gentle giants. When we arrived, we checked out the exhibits inside before heading out to the observation area.

The displays gave us an overview of the manatee’s lifestyle.

These endangered creatures are harmless herbivores, but have suffered greatly because of human encroachment on their natural habitat. Most manatees never make it through their normal sixty year lifespan because of entanglements with fishing gear or collisions with watercraft.

Manatees swim fairly slowly, and right at the surface, so a speeding jet-ski or motor boat spells catastrophe for them. They just aren’t able to move out of the way quickly.

Fort Pierce, Florida

We also found maps inside The Center showing the migration routes that these “sea cows” follow each year as the weather changes.

In the warm summer months they have been know to travel as far north as Massachusetts. Maybe they should be called sea snowbirds.

Armed with a better understanding of the critters, it was time to go out and try to spot one. Unfortunately, none were around. We did get quite a show from a dolphin chasing fish all over the inlet though. It was a very active lunch for Flipper.

From talking to some of the other would be viewers, we learned that morning and evening are the best times for spotting manatees. The “ocean oxen” (We’re giving them this new nickname, we’ll see if it catches on) like to head out to the coastal ocean waters around sun down, and back into the inland tributaries after sunrise.

Cool, that gave us a few hours to check out some other stuff before a late afternoon viewing.

Sunrise Theater, Fort Pierce, Florida

We were in luck, Ft. Pierce is small enough that the sights were all within easy riding distance on our trusty bikes.

After a quick bite to eat, and spin around the historic downtown, we pedaled across the Seaway Drive bridge out to The St. Lucie County Marine Center.

Jellyfish exhibit at Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit

There we got an up close look at life in The Indian River Lagoon at The Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit.

We wandered through the many displays detailing the reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves of the lagoon until we came upon a tank filled with jellyfish.

Then we were stuck, it was absolutely mesmerizing! Lit by ultraviolet light, the hypnotic jellies glowed while they bobbed and flowed across the aquarium. Once we finally pulled ourselves away, we turned around and went back a few minutes later for another view. It was addictive.

But as cool as the Jellyfish were, the highlight of The Marine Center had to be Touch The Lagoon.

The touch tank at the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems ExhibitThis is a touch tank where we could touch many of the creatures that make their home in the lagoon.

We copped a feel of horseshoe crabs, starfish and the upsettingly slimy sea cucumbers, but the most interesting, if slightly disturbing, thing had to be the peppermint shrimp.

These little guys swarmed our hands as soon as we put them in the tank, because human hands mean suppertime to them. Yup, they were chowing down on the dead skin and anything else they could nibble off of our fingers.

With our digits picked clean, it was about time to head back over the bridge for some sea cow spotting.

As we came off the bridge back onto the mainland, we noticed a flock of pelicans going flat out nuts.

We had to check it out so we climbed over an embankment to where we could see the source of the commotion.

Fishermen were cleaning their catch and tossing the guts, so several dozen pelicans were fighting for the scraps. These birds aren’t designed to be on land, they looked absolutely ridiculous, but it did give us the chance to see them closer than we ever had before.

Just before we got back to The Observation and Education Center, we crossed another little inlet. It was chock-full- o’- manatees!

Manatees!Some of them were settled in near the shore, so we decided to dismount and watch from a bridge. Our first excited sighting came when we discovered bubbles rising to the surface. We could then trace an outline of the creature behind the bubbles.

Getting the hang of it, we started to see their backs sticking up out of the water. They looked like large, smooth, grey rocks.

Then at least a dozen of the “bay buffaloes” (swing and a miss, better stick with sea cows or ocean oxen) began their leisurely evening swim out to the open water – passing right under our bridge!

We gasped as we saw mama manatees with their calves in tow. Sadly though, almost every one of the animals had scars from encounters with boats.

Veronica was so excited, she forgot to take any still photos, so you’ll have to watch the video to see our amazing experience:

Even though they are known as West Indian manatees and once roamed the entire Caribbean, there are few if any left in the West Indies.

Florida is fast becoming one of the last places to see them, a last chance for some manatee time.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Can’t get enough manatee action? Click here to see our sightings on Florida’s west coast! We even got to swim with them – YES!

Super Automatic Coffee Machines: Jura Z6

Making coffee at home is the type of luxury that most of us crave. In the last 10 years it’s become more and more possible to make these brews!

The Jura Z6 goes one step further! It’s a Super Automatic Coffee Machine, so even those with no knowledge whatsoever can join in on our coffee journey.

Classic Automation And Why The Jura Z6 Is Different

When you think of an automatic coffee machine, two things come to mind.

The first is a Hospital style machine that makes bitter brew, which you only tolerate because of the circumstances you’re in. This doctor’s appointment, or hairdressers isn’t an actual coffee shop, so you know their drinks aren’t a top priority.

The second is a type of filter coffee machine. They can make lovely drinks but are limited to the classic filter taste. You can’t make a Latte or a Cappuccino, or even a Flat White with a machine like that.

The Jura Z6’s ability to make a fluffy foth is the reason why we call it Super.

What Parts Are Automatic?

So many parts of the Z6 are automated that you only need to press a button, and you’re off. The machine will make you a coffee and even clean itself afterwards.

The first thing you need to know is that you can make a Cappuccino or other Barista style coffees without using a wand. You simply press a button and it goes.

The machine also knows which type of milk to use, so it will flip between milk and foam without needing any encouragement.

The next automated addition is the Z6’s ability to clean itself.

Lastly, you can even connect the Z6 to your smart devices like Alexa, asking them to make you a coffee as you wake up in the morning.

Now to get into the details.

Automated Barista Drinks

One of the best parts of a Barista coffee is the ability to be personalized. That element isn’t removed when you’re using the Z6, as you can tell the machine how you like your coffee. It will remember and store that data, so when you ask for a Cappuccino, it won’t just make the standard version; it will recreate your preferred style.

You can add in your own names for the drinks too. For example, you can have John’s Latte, Mo’s Latte, & Classic Latte all stored so everyone in your home can get their drink their way.

Milk Switching

Some semi-automatic coffee machines require you to manually switch between milk and foam, which means you still need to sit by the machine as it makes your coffee. However, the Z6 is intelligent enough to switch milk types without anyone interfering.

This means you can casually leave the machine unattended while you go about your day. You will be truly saving time instead of waiting by the machine until it beeps at you to change its mechanics.

Self-Cleaning

Everyone who has used an espresso or coffee machine has dealt with the dreaded job of cleaning up after usage. The cleaning element can be so difficult that some people stop using the machine entirely!

The ground beans get everywhere, and the milk deposits just won’t budge. After a while of avoiding the cleaning, your machine will end up breaking.

This isn’t a problem with the Z6, though, as every element is self-cleaning. You don’t have to open up the inside and scoop out the ground remains, and you don’t have to pull apart the tubes to get the calcium out.

The Z6 cleans out everything. From the milk tubes to the ground beans. It is a super hygienic machine.

Even the calcium deposits are thoroughly washed away. All you need to do is press a button to start the job.

Smart House Ready

The Z6 is powered by artificial intelligence, which means that it will perfectly sync with your smart devices. The setting up process is just as easy with a walk-through manual to help guide you.

If you don’t have a smart device but do have a smartphone, you can replicate the same “Alexa, make me a Latte” request.

Jura Integrate Experience (J.O.E) is a free application by Jura which allows you to make a coffee using your smartphone.

Summary

Everything about the Z6 is designed to make your coffee experience easy without reducing the coffee flavor.

If you want to see a detailed Jura Z6 automatic coffee machine review, click on that link.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Plan a Successful Kids Birthday Party

Kids birthday parties can be a lot of fun, but they can also be quite a lot of work. If you’re planning on throwing a kid’s birthday party, here is a complete guide on how to prepare for it.

The first step is to decide on the date and time of the party. Once you’ve done that, send out invitations to your guests. Be sure to include the date, time, and location of the party on the invitations, as well as any relevant information (e.g., whether or not kids should bring a gift).

Once you have your invitations out, it’s time to start planning the menu. If you’re serving food at the party, be sure to plan ahead and make sure you have all the ingredients you need for your menu.

Next up, decide on a theme. Will it be a jungle party? A carnival? A pool party? Once you have decided on a theme, order or make any decorations that are related to it. For example, if the kids birthday party is going to be pool-themed, consider buying decorations like tiki torches and inflatable palm trees. If cupcakes are what you’re planning on serving at the party – buy paper cups to hold them in that match your theme, as well as anything else that will match (forks, spoons).

Decorations will go only so far to enhance your party though – don’t forget about activities. Will there be face painting? Balloon animals? A petting zoo? If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, there are plenty of activities that can be planned online.

The last step is to plan for party favors. You don’t have to go all out and buy expensive party favors – in fact, many kids prefer something small and simple like a goodie bag filled with chocolates or stickers. Just be sure to give your guests something to take home with them when the party’s over.

Characteristics of a successful kids birthday party
    1. Fun games and activities that will keep the kids entertained
    2. Delicious food that will satisfy all the kids’ cravings
    3. Eye-catching decorations that set the mood and theme of the party
    4. Unique party favors that the kids will love and remember
    5. Enough time for both the kids and parents to enjoy themselves without feeling rushed or stressed out. Planning ahead is key to a successful party.
    6. A party theme that reflects the interests of the birthday child
    7. Activities and games that are age-appropriate for the kids invited
    8. Enough space for the kids to run around and have fun without feeling cramped or uncomfortable
    9. Kid-friendly music that will keep the energy level up
    10. Parents willing to help out and take care of some logistics so the birthday child can just relax and enjoy their special day. Planning a kids birthday party can seem like a daunting task, but if you take it one step at a time, it can be a lot easier than you think. Just remember to have fun with it – after all, it’s your child’s special day.

Throwing a kid’s birthday party can be a lot of work, but it can be a lot of fun for everyone involved with careful planning. By following this guide, you’re well on your way to throwing an unforgettable kids birthday party.

Christmas Celebrations in The Philippines

Christmas celebrations can lasts over four months in the Philippines. Yes, about a third of each year is dedicated to the Christmastime festivities. This is widely held to be the longest holiday observance of any place in the world… CONTINUE READING >>

With Christmas behind us for this year, it is time to start making plans for next year’s celebration. For travelers like us this could mean trying something new and different, such as discovering the Christmas season in the Philippines.

This should be easy because it lasts over four months, that’s right, about a third of each year is dedicated to the Christmastime festivities. This is widely held to be the longest holiday observance of any place in the world.

There may be several reasons for this, including the way the season has steadily grown longer most everywhere to accommodate shopping, but while many people lament this extension, Filipinos largely embrace it. We think that the tradition of returning home for the so-called balikbayan, the Filipino citizens who work abroad, no doubt contributes to this.

There are over two million of these balikbayans scattered across the globe, with more in Saudi Arabia than any other country. That means a lot of folks will be looking for a Jeddah to Manila flight come holiday time, so book tickets early.

Beginning around September 1st, the start of what Filipinos call the ‘BER months’ (names that end with ber), radio stations commence with the Christmas carols and stores deck the halls with decorations. Then, in October, local festivals and beauty pageants begin to take place.

By November things are in full swing with decorations absolutely everywhere. Many are the same as we are familiar with, trees, lights, angels, reindeer, and Santa, but some are more unique to this island nation.

Perhaps the best example is the paról. These star-shaped lanterns adorn homes and buildings all across the land and are an iconic symbol for Filipinos, much like a Christmas tree in other parts of the world. They are lit each night and making them is sometimes a school project for children.

The name comes from the Spanish word farol, meaning lantern or lamp, but they are meant to represent the Star of Bethlehem. This is why they most often feature a star as a part of their elaborate decorations.

Paróls are especially famous in San Fernando City, about an hour north of Manila, home to the annual Giant Lantern Festival on the Saturday before Christmas Eve. The festivities include a competition which has become so popular that the city is now known as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.

Another traditional Filipino Christmas decoration is the belén, or what we know as a nativity scene. Belén is the Spanish name for Bethlehem, and other than the name the scene is the same as we have always known, baby Jesus in a manger with Mary and Joseph, shepherds, the Magi, and various animals.

Sometimes the two decorations are combined when a paról is used as the star that guided the Three Kings. The best place to see them is Tarlac City, which is also near Manila and has become known as the Belén Capital of the Philippines. This is no doubt due in part to the annual Belenísmo sa Tarlac, a contest for the best belén.

By the time December rolls around the more religious aspects of the holiday come front and center. This is not surprising since more than eighty percent of Filipinos are Roman Catholic. The main services are the Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of masses starting on the 16th and running through Christmas Eve.

These are held each night, well actually early morning, at around 3 to 5am. The tradition of these crazy early hours began about four hundred and fifty years ago as a way for farm workers to attend mass and still be able to work before the worst of the heat of the day.

The culmination is the Víspera de Navidad, a Midnight Mass on December 24 known as Misa de Gallo. In many places the Panunulúyan, a re-enactment of the journey of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging. Actors walk from house to house asking for a room until they finally end up at the church just in time for mass.

The midnight service is followed by the traditional Noche Buena feast. The whole family gathers for turkey, ham, fried chicken, roast baby pig, a noodle and veggie dish called pancit, rice, cheese, and a plethora of pastries and desserts all washed down with tsokolate, a type of hot chocolate.

We can certainly see why so many Filipinos come home for the holidays!

The festivities continue on December 28th with Holy Innocents’ Day or Niños Inocentes, which has become a day for playing practical jokes, much like April Fool’s Day.

Then New Year’s Eve brings another midnight feast, much like the Noche Buena on Christmas Eve. It is also a tradition to make a lot of noise to scare off any nasty spirits, and to open all the windows and doors to let in the blessings on the first day of the year.

Finally, on the first Sunday of January, Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day, brings the season to an official close. Although there are some folks who just can’t quite let it go yet and they are known to extend the celebration until the Feast of the Santo Niño on the third Sunday of January.

A few serious revelers will continue on to February 2nd and The Feast of Our Lady of the Candles, which completes a 40-day Christmastide matching the 40 days of Lent.

With that, there are only seven months to wait until it starts all over again.

Wow! Talk about a merry Christmas!

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com