December is the month when we truly experience the spirit of the holidays all around us!  However, while we get to enjoy spending time with our loved ones and those close to us with celebrations and gatherings we also experience the pressure of finding gifts for everyone on the list, as well as planning and executing all of the necessary preparations.  There are many ways to alleviate some of the stress, which will enable you to feel the richness and warmth of the season minus the “Grinchy” stress-induced mania related to the pressure of handling all your last minute holiday details.

Great Ideas for Last Minute Holiday Gifts

For years gift cards have provided the perfect way to say thank you to employees and clients during the holiday season and beyond.  There couldn’t be a better way to do so then with a gift from Omaha’s favorite neighborhood pizzeria.  This holiday season, Sam and Louie’s New York Pizzerias have taken all the hassle out of your gift card purchase.  In partnership with start-up company BuyNow Worldwide you can purchase $25.00 Sam and Louie’s gift cards via your smartphone with a simple text message. Text Sam25 to 289669 and follow the prompts from there.  An Amazon account is required to purchase through the BuyNow App.  For a limited time all gift cards purchased through the BuyNow Worldwide text message system will receive a $5 promotional gift card.  Gift cards are also available for purchase at any Sam and Louie’s New York Pizzeria location, online at www.Samandlouiespizza.com or through Quickgifts.com.  Sam and Louie’s gift cards will also be available via the Amazon Gift Card Mall for the first time this holiday season.

Suzi-Bonnett-Chocolaterie-StamChocolate is the perfect last minute gift idea since it’s best to eat when fresh.  Chocolaterie Stam in Papillion offers pure Belgian chocolate that has no wax or preservatives, so these delightfully delicate treats are not able to sit on a shelf for months.  They can also put together gift baskets of any size and price and specialize in incorporating outside gifts such as wine into a combination basket with their wonderful chocolate.  In addition to a wide variety of chocolate, Chocolaterie Stam offers European cookies, licorice and hard candies that can be included in gift baskets and are also great for holiday entertaining or as stocking stuffers.  Seasonal flavors such as peppermint stick and eggnog are always holiday favorites as well.  As a cautionary note, Suzi Bonnett of Chocolaterie Stam in Papillion advises, “When selecting food items such as chocolates, it is helpful to know both the favorites and also the flavors to avoid, especially if food allergies are involved.  We have an allergens list at Chocolaterie Stam to help with the selection process.  We also make gelato, Italian style ice cream, in-house and can cater to specific dietary needs.  Chocolaterie Stam in Papillion is open every day up until the evening of Christmas Eve so we are ready and willing to help any last minute shoppers with finding that perfect hand selected gift.  Anything from an impressively large box of chocolate bonbons to cute little stocking stuffers is available at this time of year.” She adds, “Make sure to stop by our annual holiday open house on Tuesday, December 10th from 5-8 p.m. at our store in Papillion.  We invite everyone to come enjoy free samples of chocolates, gelato and coffee as well as licorice and cookies.  You will also receive a free box of chocolates with any purchase of $25 or more…and rumor has it that Santa himself may be making an appearance that night!”

Jeff-White-Colby-RidgeFor a classic gift that is great year after year, you can’t go wrong with Colby Ridge.  Colby Ridge offers plenty of holiday treats that are perfect for gifts, entertaining holiday guests, or to bring as a treat to your holiday parties.  Jeff White of Colby Ridge notes that among their popular packaging options offered are holiday tins, as well as tins for many of your favorite sports teams.  They also offer a very unique treat—Chocolate Covered Potato Chips! These delicious snacks are individually hand dipped, which adds to the quality of the product as there are truly no machines used to manufacture this product whatsoever.  In addition to the quality of their popcorn, candy, and other creative delicacies, they pride themselves on being extremely flexible and can customize just about anything you have in mind to create the perfect holiday gift—whether you have planned ahead or need to pick up something at the last minute.

Gerry-Phelan-Midwest-Woodworkers-Inc.Gerry Phelan of Midwest Woodworkers says, “Years before I owned the store, I always had ‘anything from Midwest Woodworkers’ on my Christmas list as woodworking is my passion and I knew no one could go wrong if I steered them in that direction.  If you have a woodworker on your list, we’re your one-stop gift shop with thousands of items in stock.  If you are not sure what to give, we can help – we’re all woodworkers and we can offer gift suggestions and answer your questions.  Just let us know what your favorite woodworker’s interests are and we’ll go to work for you. If you are looking for a last minute gift that keeps on giving, consider giving a certificate for a woodworking class.  Our classes provide an opportunity to unleash that inner creativity and enjoy the pure satisfaction that comes with making something with your own hands.  Whether new to woodworking or a veteran, there is always something for everyone to learn.  And this isn’t a lecture about woodworking – in most classes you will make a project in class to take home with you.  A class is a great gift that will last long after the holidays.” He adds, “Stop in at Midwest Woodworkers and check for that perfect gift with no rush, no crowds, and no pressure.  Or if you can’t make it out, email us with some ideas and we will do the research and get right back to you.  Not sure what your woodworker needs?  A gift certificate can’t miss!  We offer gift certificates in any amount that never expire and have no service charges.” As a last thought, Gerry advises “Be sure to pause occasionally to enjoy the season!”

If you are looking for a last minute gift for the golfer on your list, the Quarry Oaks gift card is the perfect solution.  Consistently rated as one of Nebraska’s top public golf courses, Quarry Oaks is a destination golf course that combines a fabulous golf experience with some of the most beautiful scenery in eastern Nebraska.  You can even order your gift cards online and they guarantee to ship your order very quickly.  Additionally, purchasing a Quarry Oaks Holiday Package is the easiest shopping you will do this season…no waiting in long lines!  It also offers the best value, and as this special is only offered once a year it is important to take advantage now and complete your shopping for anyone who really enjoys golfing.  You can also take advantage of this great special to stock up on rounds of golf for yourself!  For only $62.95, you will receive a gift card that is valid for one 18-hole green fee and cart rental, practice balls, a Quarry Oaks logo ball, and a full color yardage guide.  And, as a special bonus, when you purchase four packages you’ll receive a fifth absolutely free.  These packages can even be used on the weekends, plus your gift card will never expire!  They also offer gift cards for purchase in $25 increments that can be used in the golf shop or restaurant.  To order your Quarry Oaks holiday package, just log on to quarryoaks.com and click on the Holiday Package link on their home page, or the gift card link at the bottom of the page.  They promise to process your order as quickly as possible, as they are locally operated and manage their own website.  If you prefer not to wait on the mail, Quarry Oaks gift cards will also be available at all area Austad’s Golf Stores in the Lincoln and Omaha areas through December 31st.  You may also call the golf shop at (402) 944-6000 if you prefer to order over the phone.

Megan-Goeke-U.S.-CellularTechnology is always an instant hit for holiday gift giving, and there are always new, exciting gadgets to give.  Megan Goeke of U.S. Cellular says, “U.S. Cellular has a variety of Apple and Android products sure to bring holiday cheer to whoever receives them. We offer iPhone 5s, the most forward-thinking smartphone in the world, and iPhone 5c, the most colorful iPhone yet. We also have the iPhone 4s available for a penny. The new iPad Air also is a great gift that the entire family can use.  Shoppers can visit any of our stores or our website at uscellular.com to pick up the latest iPhones, iPads and other wireless devices on their family’s wish lists. U.S. Cellular will have extended store hours throughout the holiday season. Our associates are excited to help customers find the right device and plan to fit their needs.  Furthermore, you don’t have to wait until December 26th to activate the smartphone you receive on Christmas! Our customer care centers are open on Christmas Day to assist customers with phone activations and questions they have about their accounts and plans.”  In response to being asked about why you should choose U.S. Cellular to to assist you with your holiday gift purchases, Goeke replies, “At U.S. Cellular, we provide a better wireless experience. Customers who purchase iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c from us can choose from several of our recently launched Shared Data plans. These plans include unlimited minutes and messaging and provide customers flexibility in choosing a data plan to match how they use their wireless devices. We also have a unique rewards program where customers can earn points to use on new phones, early upgrades and accessories, which make great holiday gifts.”  She adds, “Whether you like to shop from your couch or relish in the chaos of visiting all of the stores during busy shopping times, smartphones can assist in ensuring you are efficient in your purchases, leaving more time to enjoy the rest of the season’s offerings.  Google Maps offers store-specific maps known for their deals. The app will show where sale products are located in the store, so users spend less time searching the aisles. You also can allow your smartphone to make the checkout process hassle-free with CardStar. You can stop keeping track of all the store rewards cards you may have dangling from your keychain or filling up your wallet by loading them into this app. You will never again lose time or savings searching for the card you need. After the cards are stored, you can access them right from your phone. The cashier will simply use the barcode stored on the device. Or if you want to skip the store crowds and shop online, the Amazon Mobile app presents users with amazing deals and can help you get the best price for the item you are seeking, all in one place.”

Dick-Lerner-Bel-Air-FashionsAt Bel Air Fashions many of their popular gift options this holiday season center on their clients’ lifestyle, especially when they dress down and want to be comfortable while still looking good whenever and wherever they go–including upcoming holiday gatherings.  Dick Lerner of Bel Air Fashions says, “Some outstanding gift ideas from HornyToad are the double lined flannel shirts, this is a huge item for men.  It is great for layering as an outer-shirt, offers great quality and fit, and is very affordable.  The Oblique V long-sleeve shirt for women is also a favorite; this top stands on its own for good reason.  It is made of Tencel and Organic Cotton, which makes it incredibly soft and it fits so well.  This piece is great to wear alone or layered with a sweater, vest or fleece and is without a doubt one of our most requested items. Marmot jackets are as active as the man or woman in your life; they are quality, durable, lightweight, very warm, and there are so many styles to choose from including many new arrivals.  For upcoming holiday parties check out our new lifestyle soft coats from Tallia Orange, JKT, Sand and so much more.  These coats will allow you to dress up or down for any occasion.  We also have some very unique women’s gifts this holiday from True Grit, including the classic crop silky fur vest, heathered French terry fleece reverse crew top, and soft shearling coat.  Fleece is a really big item around the holidays, and Kühl has a sensational Italian fleece Flight Jacket.   Another cool ladies’ item from Kühl is the Norah jacket, made from woolforce™ fabric which is poly/wool/elastane and offers a smooth wool face with soft fleece back with 4-way stretch for movement and comfort.  These are just a few of the many gift items available at Bel Air Fashions this holiday season.”   Lerner emphasizes that quality doesn’t cost much more, but it’s more about what you get in the end—which is clothing that lasts and always look good.  He adds, “Otherwise, as the author B. Neville details, ‘The Bitterness of Poor Quality Remains Long after the Sweetness of Low Price is Forgotten.’  He adds, “When shopping this holiday, try thinking outside of the box.  Sometimes shopping in the same malls or the big stores doesn’t mean you will find what you are looking for.  Venture into stores you never previously considered; you might just find better quality for the same or less money.  Even though many stores are geared up for last-minute shoppers, try to allow yourself enough time to keep your options open as it will likely reduce stress and you simply can’t do it all the day before Christmas.  Also, the so-called bargains or items that are too good to be true are probably just that.  While everyone wants to be thrifty, there is a difference between something good or bad so be a good student and be savvy in your comparisons.  This holiday if you are looking for a special gift, we invite you to see our new lifestyle department packed with wonderful men’s and women’s gifts.  You can park next to the door, shop in an unhurried atmosphere while working with owners who care, and we can alter your garments as needed before or after they are gifted as well as wrap them for free.”

Krista-Dickey-All-That!-Boutique-and-GiftsAll That! Boutique and Gifts is an excellent place to shop for last minute gifts as they have a great selection of many different types of items under one roof.  Krista Dickey, owner of All That! Boutique and Gifts, says, “For women, we have a lot of clothing, accessories and jewelry.  Some superb stocking stuffers can be found in the little girls’ section, and our infant section offers cute outfits, blankets and other baby accessories.  As for the ‘hard to buy for’ person on your list, we offer a lot of unique gift and home décor items.  Many of our items are made by local artists and craftsmen.  We offer personal assistance with shopping, as well as gift wrapping and gift cards. My best advice is to start shopping as early as possible so you don’t have to fight the crowds and you don’t lose out on getting that perfect gift.  Also, don’t be afraid to ask store assistants for help!  For women of all ages doing their last minute shopping, we will be having a ‘Ladies Nite’ event on December 12th from 4-9 p.m.  Please stop by for some final Christmas shopping and fun!”

Dave-Ekdahl-Fresh-ConceptsFresh Concepts is excited to have their retail store officially open for last minute holiday shopping.  The store is located next to Old Chicago off 144th & Center.  They offer great prices on customized short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, hoodies and jackets.  They also offer a lot of tie-dye tees and hoodies, as well as many different types of gifts and accessories.  Dave Ekdahl, owner of Fresh Concepts, adds, “The best part is that we work with vendors that offer 24-hour production!  The only thing that will vary is the shipping times, but normally it’s only 3-4 business days.  This really helps out when you need things quick. Also, the opening of our retail store has given people the opportunity to buy non-decorated items. Not only do we carry mens’, ladies’ and youth apparel; we have a lot of gifts and accessories. The people who have already been to the store and shopped have commented on how bright and colorful the store is, and that we are definitely unique compared to the other major retailers. And they have been even more impressed with the quality and prices of everything in the store–a common theme has been ‘this is all this costs….WOW!’”

Effectively Managing Holiday Stress

During the holidays, it is easy to experience stress for a variety of reasons.  There is just so much to pack into a month that even thinking about it is enough to make you crazy and induce panic.  In addition to consulting with our local experts on how to combat holiday stress, Health.com offers some great tips on easy ways to make sure you feel your best and enjoy the holiday season.

Sunlight Works Wonders For Your Overall Mood – Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, which not only makes your feel good but also helps to relieve seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which affects millions of Americans every year.  To ease SAD symptoms, spend time outdoors or near a window on sunny days.  You can also ask your doctor about phototherapy, which is a treatment using a box that emits full-spectrum light, or visit a tanning salon in moderation.

Get Your Daily Dose of Citrus – Researchers studying depression have found that certain citrus fragrances boost feelings of well-being and alleviate stress by increasing levels of norepinephrine, another hormone that affects mood.  For an all-day pick-me-up, dab a little lemon or orange essential oil on a handkerchief to tuck in your pocket.  Candles are a great way to surround yourself with smells that are certain to enhance your mood during the winter months, and you can find them in unique, decorative containers at many local boutiques or gift shops.  Or, just infuse your water with citrus fruits or pack an orange in your lunch!

Walk Your Worries Away – Walking can definitely relieve stress, and allows you a minute away from the noise and grind to center your thoughts and find a little peace.  Additionally, the rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing effect on your brain while decreasing anxiety and improving your sleep.  Try your best to incorporate a brisk, 30 minute walk every day.

Get Enough Sleep – While visions of sugarplums may not be dancing in your head, your brain activity is likely to be amped up enough so that sleeping well becomes incredibly difficult.  This in turn affects just about every aspect of your life and mood during the day you spend awake. Try your best to get enough sleep, no matter how impossible this seems.  You may want to consider 5-HTP, a plant extract that is available in capsules at most drugstores, which can help to increase serotonin, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep.  Generally taking 150 milligrams daily is safe and effective, but if you take antidepressant medications make sure to consult with your doctor before trying it!

Squeeze Your Hand in the Right Place…Really! – Applying pressure for 30 seconds on the fleshy place between your index finger and thumb (called the hoku spot in traditional Chinese medicine) can reduce stress and tension in your upper body.  So if you start to feel overwhelmed by the holiday chaos, give your hand a squeeze and take a deep breath.

Just Say “NO” – Often times during the holidays we set ourselves up with insane schedules full of anything and everything that we have been offered the opportunity to participate in.  Consider what is most important to you during the holidays, and try to say no to a few things that are not at the top of your priorities.  After all, there are only 24 days in December before Christmas, and a limited number of hours in those days.  It makes sense to do what matters the most and politely decline the rest.

Stick With Your Daily Routine – Again with the prioritizing.  It is jarring to have a whole month where we disregard ourselves completely.  Make sure to still get in your workouts, monthly engagements and activities, etc.  Don’t try to squeeze more into your schedule than you can handle, but also don’t stray too far from your regular schedule.  Exercise is an especially important one, as it may be the last thing you feel like doing when you are stressed out but it will actually help you feel much better and can boost your mood for up to 12 hours!

Take Advantage of Those Who Make You Smile – So the holidays include being around many people; take advantage of this by staying close to those who crack you up.  Laughing reduces stress hormones, which in turn helps your immune system function better among other things such as lifting your mood.
Throw Perfection Right Out The Window – Stop obsessing over doing it all.  The world is not going to end if your house is a little cluttered, if you don’t personally cook a meal or five, or if you use a gift bag instead of a precisely wrapped package.  In the spirit of the holiday season, it is the people who matter the most so try to focus your energy on enjoying all of the wonderful people in your life.  This will also require that you get out of the house, and that is great.  Take your family out to fun meals, Lincoln has plenty of wonderful places to dine out that are festive for the holidays and can take one or more things literally “off of your plate.” On a side note, hot foods trigger the release of endorphins, natural chemicals that trigger feelings of euphoria and well-being.  If these types of foods are not incorporated in your holiday traditions, try spicing things up a little bit!

Treat Yourself With Some Sweets – According to Suzi Bonnett, owner of Chocolaterie Stam in Papillion, “One of the best natural ways to reduce stress during this hectic season is to eat more chocolate!  Dark chocolate especially has been found to improve mood by increasing serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain.  It’s also full of antioxidants, has antibacterial properties, and contains stress-reducing flavonoids.  To combat the calories, exercise is also a great way to relive tension so combining the two should lead to a happier, healthier holiday for all.”

Set Aside Time to Go “Tech-Free” – I know you just gasped, as what I said is horrific to most of us who manage our own businesses or professional duties.  However, constant cell phone and email alerts truly keep us in a perpetual fight-or-flight mode due to bursts of adrenaline.  Not only is this exhausting, but it contributes to mounting stress levels, especially in women.  Take some time to turn off your gadgets during dinner with the family, a holiday get-together, or while running a few errands for gifts.  Also, your children are little sponges and it will go a long way to set an example that some things are just more important than what is going on everywhere else.

Give the Gift of Massage (To Yourself and Your Loved Ones!) – Massages feel great are an undeniable way to relax for a little bit of time in between all of the hustle and bustle.  There are plenty of excellent local spas staffed with certified massage therapists who can perform a host of special techniques depending on where your body carries stress.  Also, you can benefit from giving massages to your loved ones even if you have no professional training or expertise—both giving and receiving massages effectively decreases stress levels!

Turn Up The Tunes – Listen to your favorite music whenever you get the chance.  Whether attending a concert during the holidays, enjoying Christmas music, or blasting the latest jams from Jay-Z while you work out or in the car on the way to a meeting; hearing music you love can relax blood vessels and increase blood flow, which not only calms you down but is good for your heart also.

Plan a Vacation…or Staycation! – Taking at least four or five days off work dramatically lowers your stress level, and even planning for taking this time off in the future provides the same effect and gives you something to look forward to.  If you have kids and opt for a staycation during the holidays, there are plenty of great destinations in Lincoln and Omaha that provide the perfect getaway.  You can also make plans to send the kiddos off on their own vacation to Grandma and Grandpa’s, and take some time to yourself or get your holiday to-do list handled.

Think Happy Thoughts – Last but not least, make an effort to think positive.  The holidays may drive you to your breaking point, but don’t focus on the bad.  Negative thinking can trigger your body’s stress response just as much as a real threat does.  Again, remember that the holidays are a time to celebrate with your family and friends…even if they stress you out too!  An optimistic outlook will help you cope with all of the challenges that come your way, and will positively affect everyone and everything that goes on around you.

Devan-Martin-Nebraska-Change-Works Devan Martin, Life Coach and Founder of Nebraska Change Works, offers some recommendations on how to reduce stress in the final stretch of the holiday season:
“First I would offer that it is essential to take the time to ask yourself what is really important about this holiday and focus on that. Underneath the shopping and parties, what is it all about for you? For some it is all about family while for others it is about the spiritual side of this holiday; the birth of Christ.  Whatever it is for you, take time every day to focus on the real meaning of Christmas on an individual level.  Finding this clarity is directly related to the following aspects for what I call ‘higher functioning’ that have to do with connecting to our hearts, and can significantly help reduce stress during the holidays as well as in our everyday life.

1. Gratitude, for example, is an excellent way to open our hearts to ourselves, others and takes us out of the “stressful” side to the holiday season.  This includes gratitude for what we already have.  Even something as simple as the roof over our heads can open our hearts to gratitude and change our inner state from grouchy and stressed out to feeling appreciation.  It is a good idea to wake up every morning and make a gratitude list, even if it is just three things.  Write them down.

2. Compassion, again for yourself and others.  It is important to show compassion to ourselves because we can’t give to others what we don’t have for ourselves. Compassion for others is important because we all tend to overdo and sometimes over spend, which can be tiring and frustrating.  Compassion for people who have less than we have by giving your time or some of your holiday dollars opens the door of kindness toward others.

3. If you can’t move into gratitude or compassion, maybe look inward to see what or who you might want to take time to forgive.  Forgiveness can bring us back into a state of equanimity, or relaxing and letting go of someone or something we have held in a state of ‘unforgiveness’.

4. Last, take time every day, even it is just for 3-5 minutes, to focus on your body.  Notice where you are holding tightness or tension.  Pay attention just as you would pay attention to a friend that you care a lot about.  Ask yourself how your body is doing and what it needs. Taking a few long, slow, deep breaths of life-sustaining oxygen can go a long way to help support our bodies and reduce stress.  The brain LOVES getting enough oxygen because we tend breathe shallow and in the upper part of the body when we are stressed.  Set times if you need to, so you are reminded at least two or three times a day to stop and breath.  I call it a ‘body appreciation minute.’

Coaching is helpful at any time, but during the holidays it can be especially helpful because it provides support to assist in reaching clear outcomes that will allow the holiday season to have more ease and peace. It helps bring clarity, focus and purpose to this time of stress around time and money.  It can also help you with making better choices for your body with food and drink. Furthermore, coaching can help you to communicate with others in a way that is clear and eliminates blame and frustration. Being able to respond in any given situation instead of reacting is a skill that can be learned–and in this time that is meant to be filled with joy and peace who couldn’t use more of that?”

Advantages of Post-Holiday Parties

Whether during or after the holidays, there are so many benefits to having a holiday party including showing appreciation for your staff for all their hard work, thanking your customers for their business, and giving your potential clients a glimpse of who you are.  However, during the holidays everyone is busier than ever–getting ready for a new year, attending parties and looking for the perfect gifts to give to others. Having a holiday party after the holidays not only decreases your stress level but allows your guests to be able to attend and not feel so rushed.

Kimmylea-Konsel-LimeLight-ExpressionsNo matter what time of the year, LimeLight Expressions can help you plan the perfect event. They are a full service award-winning event planning company. Kimmylea Konsel, owner of LimeLight Expressions, offers a couple of reasons why hosting a holiday party after the holidays can be beneficial:

1. More Choices: After the holidays you have more venue choices, more caterers to choose from, and entertainment or bands in town are less likely to be booked. Don’t make yourself have to choose the last option available. Allow yourself to host the best party possible for your guests.

2. Savings: Who doesn’t like to save a little money? During slower times of the year, such as directly after the holidays, more vendors are able to negotiate with you on better rates. Save money and make your event memorable too.

3. Thoughtfulness: During the holidays, everyone is between personal holiday gatherings, family plans, travel, work and shopping. Your guests will appreciate your pushing the holiday party into the New Year as it shows you are being conscious of their busy schedules.

Kimmylea adds, “The holiday season often brings on added stress with parties, shopping, baking, cleaning, family (in-laws), and entertaining, just to name a few. Always focus on the true meaning of Christmas and don’t focus so much on the marketing of it.  There are great resources available to help you with every aspect of your holiday planning. If you don’t want to cook and plan your party or event, allow Omaha’s leading event planning firm, LimeLight Expressions, to take some of that stress away and make your event one-of-a-kind.”  In addition, LimeLight Expressions has wonderful last minute gift ideas that can be treasured for a lifetime. Did you know that LimeLight Expressions is a full service event planning, photography and graphic design company? You can purchase gift certificates for family, children or event photography sessions with their award-winning photographers or if you know someone who will be having an event or wedding, help them with an award-winning event planning package.  LimeLight Expressions also custom designs photo albums. Everyone has those digital pictures or even photos sitting around the house that they are planning to put into an album someday. Allow LimeLight Expressions to custom design you an album that you can have for years to come.  LimeLight Expressions can also assist you with promotional holiday gifts for your business. Call them today to find out more about all of their custom options, tailored just for you!

Angela Roeber-Strategic-Air-and-Space-MuseumAngela Roeber of the Strategic Air & Space Museum adds, “Why stress over cooking, cleaning or entertaining?  We have it covered and your guests will have a blast!  Located only 25 minutes from either Omaha or Lincoln, the Strategic Air & Space Museum offers a number of options for your holiday party.  With over 300,000 square feet of space, planning an event is easy and allows for a range of possibilities.  We can accommodate a group anywhere from 20 to 2,000.  We also offer free parking, open catering, and all of our parties have access to our interactive exhibits and simulator rides.  This includes access to our special MathAlive! exhibit, which will be featured from now until January 5th and is fun for all ages.  One of the best features of the Strategic Air & Space Museum is the glass atrium at the entrance of the Museum.  This offers a unique and intimate setting for your guests underneath the SR-71 Blackbird.  For larger groups you have the opportunity to rent one of the Museum’s display hangars.  Both hangars allow you the opportunity to dine under the wings of our aircraft.  No matter what location you choose it’s sure to be inspiring.  I always suggest that our guests consider having their holiday party after the holidays if that is an option.  Between personal holiday gatherings, family plans, travel, shopping, etc. there are only so many days in December.  Employees will appreciate your taking their schedules into consideration and they will enjoy themselves more when their personal schedules seem to be at a lull.  Also, if you are considering last-minute gifts, a Strategic Air & Space Museum membership is a great holiday gift that friends and family can enjoy throughout the entire year and it will provide experiences you won’t find anywhere else!”

There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays without losing your mind, even if you are planning to take care of things at the last minute.  Remember to enjoy the little things, and try to eliminate as much stress as possible in order to focus on what really matters during the holiday season.  From our family at Strictly Business to yours, we wish you all a safe and blessed holiday season and a Happy New Year!