Soul Snacks are spontaneous time-outs: creative ways you can nurture your spirit in 15 minutes or less.

Here's a week's worth, specially designed to help you balance the busy-ness this holiday season.

Day One

What are your favorite holiday memories? Pose the question tonight at the dinner table. Use your family's answers to plan this year's celebration. You may be surprised at the special memories that have nothing to do with gifts or elaborate events.

Day Two

For fifteen minutes, write down things in your life that you are grateful for.

Day Three

Bundle up and head outside. Make snow angels or build a snow fort with your kids. When it's time to warm up, build a cozy fire and roast marshmallows in your living room.

Day Four

What's your favorite homemade holiday treat? Write down the recipe, and share it with your friends. Encourage them to do the same.

Day Five

Challenge each member of your family to fill a box or

Day Six

Get out and enjoy the crisp winter air today, all by yourself. Listen to the crunch of snow underfoot. And treat yourself to a steaming mug of hot chocolate (with marshmallows) when you return.

Day Seven

What was the favorite book you read this year? With whom would you most like to share its message? Purchase a copy for them and drop it off...anonymously.

Taking just a bit of time each day to nurture yourself will ensure you enjoy every last fa-la-la during this magical season. Happy holidays!

Copyright 2005 Susie Michelle Cortright About the author: Susie Cortright is the founder of Momscape.com and Momscape's Free Online Scrapbooking Magazine - sites devoted to celebrating life with children. Learn more about her scrapbooking club or about starting your own scrapbooking business on Susie's team: http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking/business.htm

• 10 Ways to Reuse Christmas Wrapping Paper


• Christmas Gifts-Treat Yourself First!


• New Years Resolutions: Develop 10 Really Good Daily Habits


• The Ultimate His and Her Gift Guide to Holiday Shopping - Online


• Holidays: Beware the Politically Correct Holiday


• Christmas: A Light in the Darkness


• Creating Ideas For Gift Baskets


• Read This Article if you Do Not Believe in Santa Clause


• Read This Article if You Think the Merry Christmas Debate is Ridiculous Indeed


• A Better Approach to New Years Resolutions-Or Any Resolution


• Secrets of New Years Resolutions that Work


• Train Your Brain For New Years


• December 2005 & Closure


• Tips and Ideas for Making Bead Christmas Ornaments


• Booking Your Holiday