The temperature is still in the 90s in Arizona. Too hot to be thinking about the upcoming holidays. But magazines plan several months in advance, so here I am reading holiday articles and wondering why last January I didn’t make a New Year’s resolution to prepare for the holidays well in advance. Like June or July.

But, since I didn’t, I, like many others, will likely encounter some stress when the activities of the season are thrust upon us. Fortunately, in this issue we have some excellent advice on combating holiday stress. “Surviving the Holidays” suggest ways to deal with the changes in our lives during this time. But if you do get a little overwhelmed and think you might end up with a migraine, you might want to read about how acupuncture can help. And for those who want their skin all aglow for those holiday parties, our health section also includes some great advice on skin care

Then, after taking care of our health, it should be much easier to concentrate on making this holiday season the best ever. Our celebrations may be different, but for most of us, the season is filled with abundant food and drink and we at the View have gathered some information on both. Our wine sleuth takes an in-depth look at holiday drinks, both hot and cold, with alcohol and without. Did you know the roots of eggnog can be traced back to the Middle Ages? Do you know how many turns it should take to remove the cage from a good bottle of champagne? And how well do you know your caviar? Except for the taste, I knew little about the briny little delicacy until I read “Caviar.”

When the season is drawing to an end, perhaps you’ll ring in the New Year with a vacation or a short trip. If travel is on your agenda over the holidays, or whenever, you’ll surely want to turn the pages and read all about the fairy tale winter wonderland of Telluride, Colorado—the most beautiful place you’ll ever ski. Then, if you’re going to ski anywhere, you absolutely should check out what Rebecca Berger, certified trainer and owner of Core Balance, has to say about preparing for the slopes so you don’t end up with an injury or a lot of aches and pains afterward.

Now that I’m thinking about it, I better start planning where I’m going on New Year’s Eve. The ski slopes? Not a bad idea. Sitting by a crackling fire in the ski chalet might be even better. The Caribbean? Or Paris, maybe? Obviously, this is going to require more thought…and a little planning ahead. Even though I don’t know where I’ll be come January 1, 2008, wherever I am, I’m going to take the advice of those who know and ring in the New Year with a glass of Prestige Cuvée and a tin of caviar.

Wherever you are on New Year’s Eve, or otherwise—enjoy the View.

To read the rest of these articles in this issue of View, click here to order a back issue.