Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES Last MinuteGIFT GUIDE what is the right way to celebrate the holidays. There are mixed viewpoints from experts on the topic of the holidays in an interfaith family. Where most do agree is that open communication and compromise are the two most important components of making it work. Religious beliefs are not to be taken lightly, and most people have strong feelings about how they celebrate their faith. Many families choose to embrace the traditions of both religions. Therefore, they introduce the children to the mystery of the menorah and the joy of the Christmas tree. While one parent may not have much interest in the other’s religious beliefs, for the sake of the children, both should take an active role in highlighting the meaning behind these important traditions. Other families choose to adopt solidarity to one religion. Perhaps the decision is easy since they have already decided to raise the children in a particular faith. Many times parents raise the children in the mother’s faith because they are receiving the father’s last name, but this isn’t always the case. Even if one religion is celebrated in the home, the child should be familiar with his other parent’s beliefs so that things will not come as a surprise when visiting grandparents or other relatives of that particular faith. There is no one answer that fits all families, and there are no rules set in stone. It is a decision that only the family must make, speaking openly on the topic and finding an option that is agreed upon by all. I & III • December 23, 2009 Celebrating the holidays as an interfaith family (MS) Celebrating Christmas, Chanukah, Ramadan or Kwanzaa is easy when the entire household is of the same faith. However, in today’s melting pot of a world, many times married couples do not share the same religious backgrounds, with Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists peacefully co-existing as partners. This scenario often works fine when it’s just the couple involved: each spouse follows his or her own traditions. But when a child is introduced into the family, there may be indecision over � ��� ��� ��������� ��� ���� ���� ��� �� ��������� ����� ���� ���� � � � � � ���� ��������� ���� ��� �� ������� ���� ���� ����� ����������� ���� ������� ���� ���� ����� ���� Tempted by treats? Think moderation, but not deprivation � ������ ����� �� �������� ��������� � ���� ��� ��� � �� ��������� � ������� �������� ��� ���� � ���� ��� ��� �� ���� ����� � �� ��������� � ���� ��� � ��� ������� ���� � �� ����� • 12 Megapixel • 2.7” LCD • Image Stabilizer • Free Angle • AF Live View Built In ����� $ ����� ���� ���� 21999 ������� ������ ������� ������ ������������������������� ���������� �������������� ������� ������ ���������� ����� �� • 12.1 Megapixel • 3x Optical Zoom • 2.5” LCD • HD Video � ����� � ���� ��������� � ���� ��� � ���� ���� ���� � ��� ������ ��� ������ � ���� ������� ��������� �� ���� ��� ����� � ���� ��������� � ����� ���� � ���� ��� � ���������� �� �� ��� � ���������� �� � ��� � ����� ��������� ������� ������ ���� ������� �� ���� ��� � ���� �������� ������� �� ������� ������� ������� ������ ���������� �������������� ������ ���� ���� �������� ���������� �������������� ������������ ����� �������������� ��� ������� ����� ���� ����� ���� ��� ���� ������ �������� ������� ������ ������� ���� ��� ������� ������ ���� ����������� ������ ���� ��� ���� ������������� ����� ����� �� ������ ������ (NAPSI) This time of year, seasonal favorites such as pumpkin pie, homemade fudge, eggnog, and sugar cookies can tempt even the most committed to stray from their healthy eating plans. For those also finding it hard to fit physical activity into their hectic routines, the result can be weight gain and loss of motivation. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’ve already got a positive weight loss mindset and have resolved to achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle in the coming year, there are ways to not only survive the holidays, but to thrive during them. “The key is moderation, not deprivation,” according to Lisa Talamini, chief nutritionist for Jenny Craig, Inc. “There’s no need to pass up your grandmother’s apple pie or dressing with your turkey. Just take small servings and balance out higher-fat choices with nonfat dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables.” Here are Talamini’s top 10 strategies for staying on track this holiday season: 1. Learn to say “no, thank you” to an offer of unwanted food. By doing so, you’re saying “yes” to yourself and your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. 2. Don’t skip breakfast to “save” all of your calories for the big feast. Follow your healthy eating plan for the entire day so you’re not starving by dinner time. 3. Bring a vegetable platter to a party so you’ll have plenty of crunchy veggies to enjoy. 4. Roast your turkey without the stuffing, breast-side down, to keep it moist and allow the fat to run off. For a browned top, turn your turkey right-side up for the last half hour. 5. “Volumize” your meals with fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and high-fiber starches to feel full on fewer calories. 6. Enjoy a rousing snowball fight, go sledding, or build a snowman. 7. Park far from the store entrance and walk extra laps around the building before you begin your holiday shopping. 8. Spend more time on the dance floor and less at the hors d’oeuvres table at your next company function. Enjoy higher-calorie beverages only on occasion, and in moderation. 9. Savor the season by taking a few runs down a nearby ski slope or going ice skating on an outdoor rink. 10. Enlist support from others by exchanging healthy recipes, being active together, and sharing words of encouragement.