The crowds and parking lot wars. The overspending and diet-busting parties. The troubling headlines. It’s easy to understand why this most wonderful time of the year isn't always so wonderful. Last year, medical problems and a work environment quaking with uncertainty upped the ante on my stress levels. The conflicting messages of the season were magnified. In the spirit of self-preservation, I decided to take my happiness more seriously. I wanted not only to step into the N