We're in the home stretch, the holidays are upon us. As parents, we work hard to make this time of year magical for our kids, and as a result, it can be pretty exhausting. So we thought we would ask our resident Health & Wellness guru, Dara Kelly to offer some advice on surviving the season.

We also have some amazing deals on some of our favorite holiday gifts, and one of our best coupons ever (see below). If you've waited until the last minute, don't worry. We can arrange for express shipping with overnight and even Saturday delivery on most in-stock items. Just give us a call, we'll do everything we can to help.

Thanks for another great season. Whichever holiday(s) you're celebrating, may they be warm and wonderful. Coming in January - our annual Giant Stroller Sale. Stay tuned.

At a recent lunch with a few friends, who happen to all be in the wellness industry, it became evident that we all had a LOT of time on our hands this season. It happens each year, our clients become conspicuously absent from November 20th or so, until January 5th. Pretty much like clockwork.

Now how ironic this is, one yogi mused. Just when everyone is feeling the most stress of the year, meditation is no longer a priority. Ah yes, concurred the dietician. And they come back absolutely ASTONISHED that they've put on a few pounds. And I, myself, had to agree. Instead of coming to the track or playing in the gym with me, my clients are practicing an inventive form of cardiovascular activity known as shopping, and strength training with gift-laden bags. Or they are working too hard. You know who you are…

But you won't enjoy the holidays if you're grumpy, tired, and overwhelmed. Take the time to take care of yourself. Eat well, don't forget to move your body and try to relax. Even a short, ten-minute walk each day will help clear your mind and burn some calories.

Speaking of calories, this is a perfect time of year to experiment with healthy cooking. If you're heading out to a pot-luck party, bring along something low fat. And, no, it doesn't need to be veggies and hummus. Drop me a line and I'll send you a fabulous recipe for brownies. For more inspiration, check out cookinglight.com or foodfit.com.

When you're shopping, park in the spot farthest away from your destination and enjoy the walk. Stuck in line? Do some deep breathing. Feeling stressed? It's not an excuse to polish off a box of cookies. Remember that this season is about peace and love and happiness, not stress and exhaustion and anxiety. Steal whatever time you can to take care of yourself, and you too will enjoy it to its fullest.

Dara Kelly is the owner of Peapod Fitness. Many of her clients are out shopping now, so if you want to give her a call or drop her a line, she is happy to answer any fitness or nutrition questions. New classes coming in January to get you back on track. Visit www.ppodfitness.com for more information.

Thanks to the generosity of many of our customers, we’ve already collected and donated toys for several area organizations. There’s still time to participate. Visit the “Season of Giving” section of our website.

For last minute shoppers...
Monday - Wednesday 10-8
Thursday - Saturday 10-9
Sunday December 24 11-5
Monday December 25 Closed

Starting Tuesday December 26, we will be open
Monday - Wednesday 10-6
Thursday 10-8
Friday - Saturday 10-7
Sunday 11-5

Please note that our Playscape will continue to be closed through Christmas for our annual gift-wrapping extravaganza.

Print out this coupon and bring it into the store anytime before the end of 2006 and enjoy big savings on all regularly priced, in-stock toys over $50. To take your discount on a web order, put the code "HOLIDAY20" in your order notes. The discount will not appear in the shopping cart, but will be calculated before your order is charged.