1. leave cookies out for Santa.Santa called. He wants his good old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies back (with gluten).

2. give yourself a breakT-minus 4 days to go. The crazy is almost behind you. Take a mini meditation break to recharge or hit up your favourite yoga class. You deserve a little me-time and you’ll feel oh-so-good.

3. wrap your presents.WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Get creative and crafty with your wrapping this season. Check out this list of 50 stylish ways to wrap presents for a bit of inspiration.

4. running to the kitchen countsLife is all about balance and the holiday season is no exception. A 4 letter acroynm recently made popular by Drake comes to mind... but we'll refrain from using it.

5. have fun and be merryMy family tradition is to play a post-dinner game around the table. I love that it keeps us all together, in one room, enjoying each other’s company – and laughing like crazy. Games like Catchphrase, Taboo or Things are good for all ages (I’ve personally tested these on my 84-year old Italian grandfather). Trust me, the spirits will be up!

'Tis the season to be busy. You know what I’m talking about. It’s the holiday season and we’re all juggling something. Whether it’s work, family and friends, holiday parties, or spending hours shopping for that perfect gift… who can find time for themselves? This is one of the most common times of the year to let our exercise routine go by the wayside. Don’t let it. Here are somes ways to make the most of your season:

put yourself first

Many of us do everything for everyone before doing just one thing for ourselves. Give yourself a gift this holiday season. Focus on nurturing your mind and body by doing a few things to energize, motivate, and help you be happy. One of the best things to do is to exercise. Working out can recharge your batteries during these frenzied days of festivities. By finding time for yourself, you’ll have more to give to others and more holiday cheer.

set yourself up for success

Make the most of your time by scheduling exercise into your calendar. Just like your work or school assignments, appointments and dinners with friends, put exercising on your to do-list. Set yourself up for success by carving some time out for YOU.

nail down a schedule

Take just five to ten minutes a day to come up with a plan so that you can nail down a schedule. Feel like getting your heart pumping by going for a run? Need to find some zen time at a gentle yoga class? Want to let your spirit soar at a dance class? Just like with goals, writing something down helps you commit to that action and will hold you accountable. There will be less wiggle room to flake out if you have it scheduled into your life.

make it a habit

By scheduling fitness into your daily routine, we can eventually create a pattern and make it a habit. The benefits of a healthier and happier you are worth it!

The entire online community team will be sweating every day next month! Join us in January for our "sweat once a day" challenge: www.lululemon.com/community/challenge

Does this gingerbread house look fimiliar? The Operation Solution team created a mini Store Support Centre!

Love,

the entire lululemon athletica team

Give the gift of your time. Why not make a snowman with that special person?

As the season approaches, I'm thinking a lot about gifts. The tradition in my family involves ample gift giving of the tangible kind. Beautifully wrapped boxes and ribbons and bags, oh my! All filled with things the recipient will certainly love to have. Some extravagant, all thoughtful for certain.

This year, such abundance of things poses a conundrum.

For the past few years, I've been getting rid of many "things": from teapots to tables, furniture to footwear, lamps to a luxury vehicle. They weighed me down. Drained my bank. Kept me addicted. (Once the rush of newness wears off, then what? MORE. NEWER. Repeat.) They stressed me out. I call these things: Psychic Fat. And I've been on a mission to trim down. Hence, the conundrum.

I don't want more things, I want fewer things. I want more quality time and connections with the people I care about. But we're approaching the biggest gift-giving time of year when it's probably easiest just to purchase a new thing. HELP! In an ongoing effort to brainstorm non-thing gift ideas, as well as what to request when asked "what do you want", here's what (pathetically little) I've come up with so far:

- Music (via home-made CDs)
- Request donations to favorite non-profits/charities
- Home-made coupons (for some one-on-one time, a foot rub, to cook dinner, etc., complete with a by-when date!)
- Anything you know the person likes to make... (knitted pot-holders or a scarf)
- A request to look through an old photo album together
- um...um...um... (there must be more?)

If any of you have great ideas to share let's help each other!

Tiffany and her store are ready for the holidays! Come in and share a few laughs with your local lululemon.

This holiday season will be my sixth working for lululemon athletica. How time flies.

Like most people, the holidays are a particularly special time of year for me, and I want to tell you why.

Working at a lululemon store over the holidays has lots of special perks - amazing product, complimentary yoga, Starbucks runs, and lots and lots of love and laughter. But more than that, working at a lululemon store over the holidays is being a part of special holiday moments.

It's the guests like you, reading this post, that make my holidays what they are. I get to hear about your families, your friends, your achievements, your stories – each and every day I walk into work.

I get to hear grandparents speaking proudly about their grandchildren; I get to see long wish lists filled with Groove Pants and Remix Lulu Hoodies; I get to experience the fun of picking out the perfect outfit for the perfect boyfriend.

When you shop in our stores this holiday season, or call our Guest Education Centre, make sure you share your stories with the educators that help you. Talk about your family, your friends, your achievements and goals.

This is what makes us love our jobs, and why I truly love the ho-lu-days.

Why do you love the ho-lu-days?

A team that jumps together, stays together!

Here's what to expect from the seasonal hiring process:

your local lululemon puts the word out on the street

To find if your lululemon is hiring for the holidays, you can:

- check their store web page
- search our careers section
- check their Facebook page. Here's a list of our stores on Facebook
- ask someone you know who works there already
- drop in to the store to chat in person! (This way your future team can put a face to a name, too.)

Each store's hiring process is slightly different. This year lululemon Kingston is holding a loveyourjob fair for seasonal hiring - find the details here.

the group interview

The group interview is meant to be an opportunity to learn more about what it might be like to work at the store, meet the people you'll be working closely with, and share more about yourself. Wear comfortable clothes, be yourself, and be prepared for impromptu downward dogs!

Staff meeting at our new Palm Beach Gardens, Florida location - opening Oct. 30!

the one-on-one

Stores want their seasonal hires to potentially turn into members of their team. After the group interview, managers send out invitations for one-on-one meetings. This is another chance to shine and ask any other questions you may have. Got goals? Hope so! Be prepared to answer what your 1, 5, and 10-year plans are. Need help? Check out goaltender!

lululemon La Jolla's staff wall of goals. View their educator job postings here.

frequently asked questions

What should I wear?

Dress comfortably. Be yourself. Elissa says "don't wear heels."

How do I prepare for the group interview?

Ask yourself what you like about lululemon and why you're interested in joining the team. Other than that, expect the unexpected - anything can happen!

How do I prepare for the one-on-one interview?

This is the more "regular" interview: questions, availability, goals, etc. Remember that "Preparing for Interviews" lecture from your guidance counselor in high school? It's like that.

Do I need to be a product expert?

It helps, but your biggest asset is a keen, teachable spirit. The team shares a pool of knowledge, and you can tap into that pool once you jump into the deep end.

Guerilla yoga could be part of your job! Pictured above: lululemon 4th St. braving the Calgary cold.

Being part of the seasonal team gives you the chance to see if you're a good fit with lululemon, participate in community yoga classes and events, and learn more about the culture. Oh, and make some extra spending money over the holidays. If you've ever thought about what it might be like to work at a lululemon, now is a great time to find out.

Get out there! We're waiting for you!