What!?! Take it easy? Uff da! Are you kidding me?

Nope! It’s the season to take it easy.

So how’s December going for you? Are you caught up in a usual December — meaning trying to do all the holiday activities you are normally involved in? I’m not going to list all of those frenetic holiday happenings. You know what they are, right?

For some time, I’ve mulled over how we can help ourselves through the enormity of our holidays, and while at a local coffee shop, I saw the solutions.

I noticed the barista’s pleasant welcoming personality, and how she took a few seconds to interact with each customer. She was being nice and slowing down people. Perhaps we should all strive to be nicer to each other, and to slow down. It’s not how fast we accomplish a task. It’s about taking time with our tasks and finding the nicety in doing it.

Talking about taking time and something that’s nice, may I suggest tasting a glass of Ménage à Trois Dolce Sweet Blend wine? Its sweetness will capture your attention, and its flavors of raspberry and vanilla will calm you. Because of its niceness, it will slow you down.

Another possible solution to our holiday rush is to not be selfish. The barista was giving the gift of a few seconds of her time to every customer. She was giving.

Watching her manner reminded me of how we must think about others. We don’t know the load someone is carrying so take the time to notice and talk to someone. It can be as simple as a greeting or a nodding smile. Why not give of yourself by donating to a charity? Give a toy to Toys for Tots — it will bring a smile to a child. Do you really need that closet full of clothes? Local churches and charities collect clothes for people in need. Think of someone in your family who needs something or your presence and give.

If you are able to, share a bit of Joel Gott Unoaked Chardonnay with someone. I believe you’ll both enjoy the crisp minerality of the liquid that pairs so well with its tropical fruit flavors.

The barista was not only enabling people to enjoy the moment, but she was having fun. I urge you to have fun!

At a family gathering or any other party, dance! Please understand this dance idea comes from someone with two left feet, but what the heck! Dance to the music, enjoy the beat and warmth of the music, and just have fun! Laughter opens people’s hearts and minds — go for it. If you ever saw me dance, you would never stop laughing.

And when you’re finished dancing, screw off the top of a bottle of Italian Stella Rosa Rosé. Slacken your thirst by immersing yourself in the wine’s beautiful semi-sweet sparkling light berry taste. Have fun with it.

Finally, the barista reminded me that we aren’t in the season alone. Therefore, let’s all enjoy the chaos of the season together. Hum a Christmas carol as you do your gift shopping. Listen to your favorite song as you wrap those gifts. Listen to your co-worker or neighbor as they explain the stress in their lives. Then let them know you fully understand, and that you cherish your moments with them. We’re all in this together so let them know you are there for them.

Likewise, share a bit of Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco with someone. This lively and luscious sparkling wine with its tasty strawberry flavors will dampen your anxiety and prepare you for a delicious holiday dinner. It’s the perfect aperitif.

Yes, it’s the holiday season for all of us. I know it gets overwhelmingly stressful. It can be chaotic. It can be … you get the idea.

However…

It will help everyone if we take the time to slow down, to be nice, to reach out to others and to have a bunch of fun.

Perhaps that’s when the holiday season will become a time of peace.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!