Finish this sentence: ‘Tis the season to be ___________. If you answered “stressed,” then take a moment out from your shopping, baking, wrapping, and entertaining, and make a point to unwind. Here are a few ideas to help you do just that in Lake Oswego.

Get a massage. You probably already know that a massage feels good physically, but why does it improve things emotionally too? Recent research shows that it affects your body’s biochemistry, lowering the stress hormone cortisol, by up to 53 percent. So get yourself to a local spa or massage studio. Or add it to your Christmas wish list. Relief is just a few blocks away at one of these Lake Oswego locations.

Lake Oswego Massage Therapy, 15110 Boones Ferry Rd., Suite 220. 503.850.4810. Receive $20 off your first massage and $20 off for referrals. Purchase five massages and get the sixth one free.

Blissful Massage, 460 5^th St., Suite D. 503.936.3574. First time visit is $10 off. Holiday specials include $65 for a 60 minute massage or 3 for $175.

Massage Envy, 333 S. State St., 503.210.3689. One hour introductory session is $39. Holiday specials include: Buy two $75 gift cards and get one free; Purchase a 12 month membership and receive a free facial or massage.

Elements Massage, 3 Monroe Parkway, Suite U, 503.387.3205. Introductory 55 minute massage for $59. Holiday special: two 55 minute massage gift certificates for $99.

Tune out. Dial down the frenzy by cuddling up with a good Christmas movie. The Lake Oswego public library’s got your back with holiday favorites like Miracle on 34^th Street, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, and It’s a Wonderful Life.

Taste stars. Do like Dom Perignon who said, upon his first taste of his new newly created champagne, “Come quickly! I’m tasting stars!” World Class Wines is featuring bubbly and champagne flight tastings along with their regular wine tastings every Friday through December from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. For $15 you sample three bubblies and one champagne. For $5 you can add a bonus pour of two premium wines. 269 A Avenue. 503.974.9841.

Find your quiet spot. The lake is one of mine. I especially like gazing upon Lakewood Bay on a crisp wintry day as its calm waters make me feel the same way. You can view the bay from Sundeleaf Plaza, the Headlee Pathway, or the deck at Stickmen’s Brewery & Skewery.

For land lovers, bundle up and head out to one of the city of Lake Oswego’s nature parks. Some of my favorites include the Iron Mountain Trail behind the Oswego Hunt Club and Springbrook Park adjacent to Uplands Elementary School and Lake Oswego Junior High School.

If the thought of buying or selling your home adds to your holiday stress, give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’ve been in the business over 25 years and would love to make your experience stress-free by putting my experience to work for you.

Photo credit by Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net