By Annie Kinnett Nichols

We’re supposed to feel all warm and content as the holidays approach, but it’s not always unicorns and rainbows during this politically correct time of the year.

Sometimes I think the holidays can be hard for people, especially if they don’t have a bestest, spouse or family in their lives. I thought I might share a few things that have worked for me when my crazy meter has tipped to far over into the red. Go ahead, clip it out of the paper. If this isn’t a tough time for you, just save it. One day, I promise, it will come in handy.

Exercise: Jump up and down, run around the block, yoga, (toughloveyoga.com, the home school of yoga) ride a bike, pick up an old sport you loved or learn a new one.

Volunteer: Get out of your head and spend time with other folks that need help. handsonatlanta.org

Laugh: Find anything that makes you laugh and go with it – funny movies, cartoons, books. Try and laugh as much as possible.

Smile: Smile in your car, in your shower, in front of your kids,  at your dog. It doesn’t have to be genuine just curve your lips upward and keep them up for a bit. You might be surprised that the genuine thing doesn’t come over you.

Breathe: Whenever you read or see or hear Breathe – do it. Try and breathe (see, I said it again, so take another breath – and again!) a lot. It’s a good way to calm your crazy ass down, which you might want to say every time you take a deep breath: “I’m calming my crazy ass down now.”

Mantras: Tell yourself positive things in your head or aloud – I say “I’m in perfect time with the universe” over and over throughout the day. It helps me calm my crazy ass down (see above).

Eat healthy: Fresh fruits and veggies will make you feel better, or try something different and drink your drink your veggies (ardensgarden.com).

Make time for real friends: You know,  the kind of friends that bring joy into your life.

Get therapy: If you’re broke, an inexpensive group therapy is the 12 step stuff – there are tons and they usually have free coffee.

Read: Two good books for starters – The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra and Passages by Gail Sheehy. It’s an anthropological look at what you’re going through during different times of your life.

Get spiritual:  Whatever this is for you –  Nature. God. Goddesses. Buddha. Sushi (zumasushibar.com). Meditation (kashiatlanta.org).

Do things that make you happy: Go to Old Fourth Ward Park. Go to a movie. Go window-shopping in Little Five Points. Throw out old clothes. Join a choir. Clean off your desk. Make your bed. Play with your dog. Take someone else’s dog for a walk at Piedmont Park.

Hope you have an awesome holiday season and a Happy New Year.

By Julia Turner and Collin Kelley

Five Intown neighbors will mark the season with annual holiday home tours that will not only offer a glimpse inside beautifully decorated interiors, but also a chance to taste food from local restaurants and shop for last minute gifts. Mark your calendars.

Virginia Highland Tour of Homes

The 17^th annual Virginia Highland Tour of Homes is set for for Dec. 10-11. Presented by the Virginia Highland Civic Association, tour times are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The seven homes on this year’s tour include several beautifully renovated bungalows, a new construction that captures the spirit of the craftsman style in meticulous detail, as well as a new construction contemporary home in the Modernist/International style. Also featured is a renovation that appeared in an issue of Southern Living magazine earlier this year.

Food tastings from local restaurants will be held in each of the seven homes on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Restaurants will include Genki Noodles and Sushi, Atkins Park, Goin’ Coastal, La Tavola/El Taco and D.B.A. Barbeque.

Over the past six years the tour has raised over $100,000, which has helped create the Cunard playground at John Howell Park, renovate Orme Park, and plant trees with Trees Atlanta. Funds raised this year will also go towards the new Highland Park project, annual grants to local schools, and other projects.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 the weekend of the tour. Tickets may be purchased online at vahitourofhomes.org or Intown Ace Hardware, Aurora Coffee or San Francisco Coffee.

Peachtree Garden Club Christmas Home Tour

Peachtree Garden Club’s annual holiday treat is set for Thursday, Dec. 8, and features four distinctive homes in close proximity in an exclusive northwest Atlanta neighborhood. The homes, two on Garraux Road, one on Garraux Place, and one on Nancy Creek Road, will be festively decorated and open to Tour goers from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online for $26 at peachtreegardenclub.org. Tickets are also available in person at Boxwoods, The Mercantile in Brookheaven, Erika Reade Ltd., Glen Weakley Ltd., and Gramercy Fine Linens & Furnishings.  Or you can urchase at the door of any of the homes on the day of the tour for $30 per ticket, cash or check only.

All proceeds benefit the Peachtree Garden Club Community Fund, which in turn supports charitable, scientific and educational needs in the fields of horticulture and conservation through the donation of funds to organizations in the Atlanta area.

Avondale Christmas Tour of Homes & Holiday Market

Visit some of Avondale Estates’ oldest homes on Dec. 11from 3 to 8 p.m. The tour features seven homes starting with and English Tudor on Covington Road, built in the early 1920s. Other homes include a newly renovated ‘30s bungalow, a transformed ‘50s brick bungalow, and a brick two-story American foursquare built in the late ‘40s. Points of interest on the tour are The Museum School, a new addition to the community, a charter school that opened in the fall of 2009, and Avondale Baptist Church, with its sanctuary filled with members’ nativities from around the world.

The Holiday Market will be open from noon to 6 p.m. and feature 30 booths where shoppers can purchase a variety of items such as jewelry, pottery, purses, bottle stoppers, soaps, lotions, leather items, jams and jellies, baked goods, pecans, grits bits, and cured meats. The holiday café will serve delicious soups and desserts.

Trolleys for the tour will run from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 5:30-7:30 p.m., or participants may drive themselves to each location. Tickets may be purchased for $12 in advance at Avondale City Hall, Finders Keepers Furniture, REAL Salon and Seventeen Steps, or for $15 on the tour day at the Avondale Community Club. Assure your place on a trolley by signing up in advance at various Avondale businesses or contact Margaret Lunsford at mplcvl@aol.com. More information can be found at avondaletourofhomes.com.

Decatur Candlelight Tour of Homes

The 29th annual Decatur Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes is Dec. 2 and 3 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The tour features homes in the Winnona Park and Glenwood Estates neighborhoods, including six single-family homes and one condo located in a completely renovated apartment building.

In addition to the seven beautiful homes, guests on the tour will also enjoy seeing points of interest that include the historic chapel at Decatur First United Methodist, the chapel at Agnes Scott, and the brand new 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue.

The tour supports several local non-profits that benefit the Decatur community. The Decatur Education Foundation works to help Decatur youth realize their full potential, not only in the classroom but also through learning experiences that contribute to personal development. The Decatur Youth Fund provides scholarships to low-income youth for summer camp programs. The DeKalb History Center collects, preserves and shares the history of DeKalb County. The Oakhurst Community Garden Project teaches environmental awareness through hands-on gardening and outdoor education programs.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and will be available soon at select locations in and around Decatur. For more, visit decaturtourofhomes.com.

Grant Park Candlelight Home Tour

Grant Park captures the holiday spirit with their Candlelight Home Tour on Dec. 10 and 11 from 6 to10 p.m. The neighborhood is Atlanta’s largest historic district with homes built in the Victorian, Craftsman, Italianate and various other styles from the turn of the 20th century.

The Candlelight Tour of Homes features eight to 10 homes representing renovations as well as new homes built to reflect the historic district’s character. Adding to the festivity are caroling hayrides, visits with Santa, an Artists’ Market, and holiday concert by the St. Paul choir.

The holiday home tour provides funds to three of Grant Park’s community enriching non-profits – St. Paul, the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool and the Grant Park Parent Network.

All activities, including the ticket booth and where pre-purchased tickets are exchanged for programs, are at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 501 Grant Street. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the weekend of the tour and may be purchased by calling (404) 688-7501 or online at CandlelightTourofHomes.com.

By Collin Kelley

Decorating your home for the holidays doesn’t necessarily have to mean the usual red and green for the season. Everyday objects in your home can be repurposed for the holidays or consider adding a touch of whimsy with unexpected decorations.

Nandina Home and Design (nandinahome.com) owner John Ishamel said simple can make a statement as well as be beautiful. “You can simplify your decorating to fit your home and so that it doesn’t change the whole room,” Ishamel said.

On display at the Nandina store in Inman Park, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, there is a mix of  “old world” and modern ideas for the holidays.

Simple stockings to hang from the fireplace were created using scrap material from the Nandina workroom, while moss-covered ornaments add a muted punch of color to a white-flocked tree.

Ishamel also likes to “tablescape” using colorful vases, silver-tinseled wire trees and hanging candlelit globes to set the mood for the season. Nandina also has whimsical bobble head and wood ornaments for the Christmas tree or that could be group on a table.

Margaret Barnett of Barnett + Co Interior Design (margaretbarnett.com) in Decatur says her ideas for decorating are “frugalista-friendly.”
“Scour your yard for pine cones, dried berries and colorful leaves or evergreen branches to put on the mantle,” Barnett suggested.  “Trim back your holly bushes and pine branches and place the cuttings on your mantle with a few votive candles.”

Repurposing items such as old pitchers  – any color and size – can be arranged on a sideboard with fresh, colorful flowers mixed with greenery to create a wonderful grouping, Barnett said.

More ideas from Barnett:

• Pull out an old basket lined with a tablecloth along with a sprinkling of nuts and dried berries for a fresh and colorful sidepiece.
• Incorporate the vibrant colors of seasonal fruits such as apples, pears and pomegranates.
• Fill old mason jars and jelly jars with grasses such as wheat and pampas, all cut to the proper size. Use jute twine to make an accent at the top of the jar. When you tie the jute place a colorful sprig of a holly berry in the knot for a colorful accent.

You may think your yard is done for the winter… take one last look and you will find lovely berries, dried flowers, beautiful leaves from bushes and fresh herbs such as mint, sage and oregano are still hardy. Bundle and tie with a piece of jute. Place in the powder room for a nice touch.

By Sydia Bell

The holiday season is fast approaching (sorry for the reminder). If you are anything like me you are wondering where you can find those creative, one of a kind, personality-infused gifts that fits into your budget. Who isn’t, right? I’ve got the perfect event for you.

Since its initial launch in 2005, the Indie Craft Experience (ICE), a grass-roots effort providing indie crafters a place to sell and promote their creations, has become the go-to place for holiday gifts and more.

On Nov. 19 and 20 the Indie Craft Experience is hosting its 13^th annual event, Holiday Shopping Spectacular from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ambient Studios, 585 Wells St.). The 5$ admission fee for those over the age of 12 is a small price to pay when patrons can expect a showcase of some of the most unique and inspiring displays of jewelry, illustrations, clothing and much more. Nearly 100 vendors were already signed up at press time.

Organizers Christy Petterson of a bardis (abardis.wordpress.com) and Shannon Mulkey of Patina (ilovepatina.com) were inspired to create ICE after seeing shows in Chicago and Austin. They saw there wasn’t a major indie craft show in Atlanta with hip goods people would actually want to buy and receive, thus ICE was born.

If you get hungry or thirsty while doing all that shopping, The Good Food Truck, King of Pops and Ursa Minor Coffee will be on hand.

For more information about event, full list of vendors or if interested in volunteering visit ice-atlanta.com.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Atlanta INtown.

We’re looking forward to an exciting 2011!

This concert’s family-oriented musical selection was chosen by AWS conductor, Dr. Patrick K. Carney, and the members of the symphony.  “This concert is dedicated to children of all ages,” says Dr. Carney.  “Our entire master season has been devoted to supporting our community during these difficult times, and there is no better way to unite people than through music.”

The concert begins at 3 p.m.  Admission is free, but the donation of a new, unwrapped toy is requested.  Following the concert, there will be a reception, including a possible appearance by Santa Claus.  For more information, visit www.atlantawindsymphony.org or call (678) 615-7619.

Hundreds voted during the first week of November after readers nominated their favorites and decided who should be on the final ballot. That means the shops, restaurants, concerts and events were truly selected by you, our readers.

If you didn’t see your favorite holiday shopping, dining or event destination, leave a comment and share your ideas with other readers.

BEST PLACE FOR LAST MINUTE GIFTS

Traders
485 Flat Shoals Ave. #B
(404) 522-3006, traders-atlanta.com
Accessories, furniture, candles, bar and bath items make this a hip place for last-minute gifts. If you can’t make up your mind, gift cards are available.

Runners-up: Oakland Cemetery Gift Shop, Heliotrope, Ten Thousand Villages

BEST SHOP FOR UNIQUE ORNAMENTS & DECOR

Decatur Gallery & Market
153 Ponce de Leon Place
(404) 377-0755, decaturgallery.com
This co-op gallery features artisans both emerging and established offering up everything from mixed media and mosaics to textiles and paintings.The market operates on Saturday evenings in front of the gallery with vendors offering jewelry, artwork and even baked goods.

Runners-up: Ten Thousand Villages and Mingei World Arts.

BEST ECO-FRIENDLY SHOPPING

Patagonia
34 E. Andrews Dr.
(404) 266-8182, patagonia.com
Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly sports clothing for men, women and children or the latest gear for skiing, hiking or yoga, this Buckhead store has it all.

Runners-up: Re-Inspiration and ecoEMPORIUM.

BEST CHILDREN’S GIFTS & TOYS

Richard’s Variety Store
2347 Peachtree Rd., (404) 237-1412
931 Monroe Dr., #113, (404) 879-9877
richardsvarietystore.com
Stepping inside Richard’s stores in Buckhead or Midtown is reminiscent of the old five-and-dime stores where you’ll find Hula-Hoops, board games, stuffed animals, Hot Wheels cars, Mr. Potato Head and other classic toys Runners-up: The Toy Store at Ansley Mall and BlaBla.

BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR YOUR PET

Highland Pet Supply
1186 N. Highland Ave., #G
(404) 892-5900, highlandpet.com
Toys, beds and food for cats and dogs are available at this popular Virginia Highland shop.

Runners-up: Doguroo and Inman Park Pet Works

BEST PET BOARDING

Piedmont Bark
501 Amsterdam Ave.
(404) 873-5400, piedmontbark.com
Short, long-term and daycare services are available for dogs at this Midtown business, where there’s plenty of time for play, interaction with humans and walks three times a day.

Runners-up: Wag-a-Lot and Animal House.

BEST GIFTS FOR THE COOK

The Cooks’s Warehouse
Brookhaven, Decatur and Ansley Mall
cookswarehouse.com
For the chef in your life, Cook’s Warehouse has all the tools of the trade. High-end appliances, cookware, cutlery and classes on how to become a gourmet cook.

Runners-up: IKEA and the Viking Store.

BEST HOLIDAY FOOD SHOPPING

Alon’s Bakery & Market
1394 N. Highland Ave., (404) 872-6000
4505 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., (678) 397-1781
alons.com
Delicious sandwiches, prepared foods, gift baskets and sinfully good sweets have made Alon’s an Intown favorite for years.

Runners-up: Greene’s Fine Foods and Highland Bakery.

BEST WINES & CHAMPAGNE

Green’s
737 Ponce de Leon Ave., (404) 872-1109
2614 Buford Hwy., (404) 321-6232
greensbeverages.com
The two Atlanta locations are one-stop shops for beer, wine, liquor and even fine cognac and single malts.

Runners-up: Candler Park Market, Hall’s of Fine Wine and Tower.

BEST RESTAURANT FOR FAMILY OR VISITORS

Agave
242 Boulevard
(404) 588-0006, agaverestaurant.com
For a taste of the Southwest, head to this Cabbagetown favorite, which recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary. We still recommend the Cayenne Fried Chicken and a margarita.

Runners-up: Unclue Julio’s, Osteria 832 and The Colannade.

BEST FOOD SHOPPING FOR THE HEALTH CONSCIOUS

DeKalb Farmers’ Market
3000 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur
(404) 377-6400, dekalbfamersmarket.com
A haven for organically grown food, the DeKalb Farmers’ Market supports small farms that are environmentally responsible and sustainable. Get your meats, seafood, dairy and fresh coffee here without compromising your principles.

Runners-up: Sevananda and Whole Foods.

BEST PLACE TO WORK OFF HOLIDAY DINNER

Urban Body Fitness
742 Ponce de Leon Place
(404) 885-1499, urbanbodyfitness.com
This local gym has a full complement of trainers, classes, chiropractic care and much more to keep you healthy. The gym is slated to move from Ponce de Leon Place to Amsterdam Walk soon, so keep an eye on their website.

Runners-up: Last Call Boot Camp and Operation Boot Camp.

BEST HOLIDAY CONCERT OR SHOW

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
1280 Peachtree St., Woodruff Arts Center
(404) 733-4900, atlantasymphony.org
The lauded symphony hosts a month of concert events, including the signature Christmas With the ASO, which has been an Atlanta tradition for more than 50 years.

Runners-up: A Christmas Carol at the Alliance and Madeline’s Christmas and The Santaland Diaries both at Horizon Theatre.

BEST HOLIDAY LIGHTS & DECORATIONS

Centennial Olympic Park
www.centennialpark.com
In November, the downtown park transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual Holiday in Lights. Thousands of lights twinkle across the 21 acres and the ice skating rink is also open for the holidays!

Runners-up: Grant Park and Atlantic Station.

BEST PLACE TO SEE SANTA

Phipps Plaza
3500 Peachtree Rd.
(404) 262-7802, santaatphipps.com
Once again, Santa’s visit to Phipps Plaza in Buckhead sold out in a matter of days. Check the Web site for cancellations if you want a visit and photo with St. Nick.

Runners-up: Lenox Square and Atlantic Station.

By Collin Kelley

Since it premiered on television in 1964, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer has been a beloved holiday classic. Now, families can enjoy the story in a whole new way: live on stage at the Center for Puppetry Arts.

In the works for nearly a year, Rudolph is adapted and directed by the Center’s Artistic Director, Jon Ludwig, the production faithfully embraces the original and include all of the beloved characters such as Hermey, the elf who is an aspiring dentist, Yukon Cornelius, and the Abominable Snow Monster. The Center worked with Character Arts LLC, which owns the rights to the special, to debut the first licensed stage production of Rudolph.

“The story of Rudolph has endured because it talks of self-acceptance, which everyone is looking for,” Ludwig said. “It’s a classic tale of self-discovery and a true ‘growing-up’ story.”

The Puppet Building Shop become a veritable Santa’s Workshop as the team designed and built the 60 puppets that appear on stage.

The 1964 special used small, articulated puppets in stop-motion animation. To adapt the show for the stage, the puppet makers watched the show hundreds of times, using frame-captures to build larger versions that are incredibly faithful to the original.

Anyone who loves the TV special will instantly recognize not only the characters, but the setting as well. The live version will use projections and animations to help propel the action along with a nod toward the TV show.

Children and adults will surely get the warm fuzzies as they see the puppets, which were designed by resident puppet designer/builder Jason von Hinezmeyer, who worked for six months with a small team crafting the Rudolph characters

“I think I watched the TV show more than 200 times, much of it frame by frame,” Hinezmeyer said. “Making the puppets to scale was one of the biggest challenges. This is the biggest show I’ve ever worked on.”

The faithful stage set glides on tracks to easily change scenes, while four separate Rudolph puppets are used to show him growing up to be Santa’s famous sleigh leader. Also impressive is the 7-foot-tall Abominable Snow Monster, which is part puppet and part suit with an interior camera and mechanisms.
Most surprisingly, six puppeteers control the stage action and provide the voices for the characters. Watching the puppeteers and designers at work, it’s obvious they are excited by bringing Rudolph to life.

Director Ludwing summed it up like this: “It’s been a blast working on this show.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is on stage now and continues through Jan. 2 with afternoon and evening performances. Tickets for patrons 2 and older are $16 and include admission to the performance, Create-A-Puppet Workshop (or Create-A-Puppet To-Go Kit), and all museum exhibits.