Holidays

Feature

• The Holiday Shopping Guide for Hard Times

  How to afford gifts you thought you wouldn't be able to swing this year.

• How to Survive the Holidays at Her House

  Spending the holidays with your own family is stressful enough. Here’s how to emerge unscathed when the family you’re celebrating with is hers.

• The Ultimate Gift Guide for Dad

  Dad getting a little tired of cuff links and ties? We thought so. This year, give him something he'll actually cherish: an unforgettable day with his son.

• Return to Work Way Ahead of the Game

  You need a vacation -- without phone and email interruptions. Here’s how to enable your office to function without you and look like a hero when you return relaxed.

ExpertQA

• Every year, I make the same resolution about getting in shape. And every year, I get bored by the end of January and start slacking off. How can I make a workout regime interesting enough to stick with?

• I want to throw a Halloween party this year, but not the same old fake spider webs and "bloody" red punch. How can I make my party stand out?

• I can't afford the jacked-up prices restaurants charge on Valentine's Day. What's a simple yet romantic dinner I can make for my girlfriend at home?

• After dieting and exercising for two months, I'm starting to notice real results. I know how to get through the holidays -- choose the healthy items on the table, eat sensible portions, etc. -- but it's a lot easier said than done. How do I make myself actually do it?

• I'm going to be the best man at my buddy's wedding. I understand that one of the requirements of the gig is I have to give a speech at the reception. I have no idea about the rules for a wedding toast (are there rules?). Help!

• I decided not to get a Valentine's Day gift for the girl I've been casually dating, and now she's giving me the cold shoulder. Is she too high-maintenance, or did I mess up? And how do you know when it's appropriate to begin exchanging gifts?

• My company’s holiday party is coming up. Frankly, I’d rather not go. Do I really need to attend? And if so, is there anything special I need to know before I get there?

• I’ve been invited to a Halloween costume party that will be babe central. I don’t want to dress up as some lame monster -- I want to look cool. What kind of costumes really attract women?