December Bliss List: 31 Ways to Dine, Wine and Lift Your Spirit

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From foodies to green freaks, there are gift guides aplenty throughout the holiday season and we did not want to clutter your inbox. That’s why we decided to go with something different this year – our roadmap to help our fans and followers navigate through the holiday season. Here is what we have slated for the first part of the month, stay tuned for next week as we deliver the second half!

	Wednesday, December 1 - Sending out greetings cards? You better act fast if you want your holiday cheer to arrive on time. Military mail deadlines advise that your cards need to go out by Wednesday, December 1 to make sure they get to our soldiers and friends abroad. For all other Holiday Shipping Cut-Off Dates, check out the United Postal Service calendar.
	Thursday, December 2 - Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole! Looking to relive the festivities of last year’s World Cup tournament? Be sure to check in on Thursday, December 2nd as FIFA announces host countries for the 2018 and 2022 games. Kansas City is one of 18 proposed host cities submitted to FIFA as part of the United States bid to host the 2022 World Cup, so this is guaranteed to be a big day for American soccer fans.
	Friday, December 3 - Celebrating the Festival of Light? Try adding some Green to your Blue and White Hanukah menu. Swap out brown potato latkes for carrot and zucchini pancakes, top with a dollop of crème fraiche and some salmon roe!
	Saturday, December 4 - With drinking season officially underway, M.A.D.D. is emphasizing the importance of being responsible drivers. The Funtoxication App for iPhone and iPod touch is certainly not a solution, but it does let you monitor alcohol consumption and prevent you from stepping behind the wheel inebriated. And if you are ever in doubt it lets you locate the nearest taxi to come to the rescue.
	Sunday, December 5 - The folks who help you get through each day, from the garage attendant to the apartment doorman, deserve some end of year gratitude. It’s best to get it out of the way on Sunday so that they can make the most of their holiday season. Gifts.com has broken down the rules of proper Christmas tipping etiquette to ensure jolly holidays all around. For Holiday Tipping Guidelines and other gift ideas, click here.
	Monday, December 6 - Fashion FYI - faux jewels will be out and diamonds will be hot in 2011. Ladies, ‘tis the season to buy something special that will make you smile. Sources tell us that Diamonds.com will be unveiling a new website on this Monday morning and you’re all invited for a sneak preview. Why wait for a man when you can shop for 5th Avenue jewels all on your own?
	Tuesday, December 7 - There is something magical about the first big snowfall of the season and now’s the time to get ready for those stay at home Winter nights with friends. Stock up on spirits like Amaretto, Tia Maria, Baileys Irish Cream and Kahlua - they are like Christmas in a Bottle if you pour them on ice!
	Wednesday, December 8 - Make your plans now and vow not to let New Years Eve get you down. Plan on going out or staying in, but find a friend with whom to share it!
	Thursday, December 9 - Hosting a house party? Plan your menu out now and get your food orders in if ordering online today! If cooking is a chore you do not want to endure, go heavy on hors d’oeuvres. At AppetizerstoGo you will find an exciting assortment of crowd pleasers with kosher and veggie options aplenty. Be sure to check out celebrity entertainer Colin Cowie’s new line of party favors.
	Friday, December 10 - If you’re heading out for drinks with friends tonight be sure to toast the ghosts of lovers past. As the saying goes, “Out with old, in with the new,” so raise your glass to the women and men you blew past in 2010.
	Saturday, December 11 - Find a friend who benefits...from your help. Indeed, the holidays are about giving and volunteering your time to help a friend find a job, set up a new apartment or get over a break up. It is sure to lift your spirits.
	Sunday, December 12 - Searching for last minute stocking stuffers? Then head over to an outdoor Christmas Gift or Craft Fare in your neighborhood. It’s a refreshing way to spend the day while finding one-of-a-kind items from local artisans.
	Monday, December 13 - There are plenty of bizarre food holidays and this second Saturday in December is reserved for National Cocoa Day. Sure, it may be a promotional invention but it gives everyone an excuse to load up on hot chocolate and marshmallows for one night.
	Tuesday, December 14 - Are you an urban transplant who cannot head home for the holidays? Don’t sweat it! You can plan a 'playcation' in your city for the holiday weekend, packed with activities and events you’ve been meaning to see and do. Just be sure to invite other vagabonds to join you on your voyage.
	Wednesday, December 15 - By mid-month you may be burned out from all the festivities but if you add a splash (or dash) of peppermint to anything you drink or eat it will help relieve you from stress, depression and mental exhaustion due to its refreshing nature.