Just the name…Black Friday seems dark and foreboding.

This whole week could use some attention. This is the week that some of us really start stressing about the holidays. And there is so much to this; from family to finances, which holidays and where, so much to do and taking care of you, presence and presents.

So, here are a few thoughts to help us all make it through this week and the holidays.

This is the week you may be pushing it and could really use a massage. Do you have a massage therapist? Are they local and part of your community?

As many people get focused on the holidays and travel, even some of the busiest, most constantly booked massage therapist might just have a few session times available this week or before the end of the year.

Think about the concept of skipping the black Friday nonsense and getting a massage instead. What a concept to start the holiday season with self-care, if not massage then something, try a yoga class or a new restaurant, take a nap or just take time to have tea and relax before you start a mad baking, decorating or shopping scramble.

Oh, and please think twice or at least three times before you buy gift certificates for massage therapy.

Don’t just purchase gift certificates because they are the right color and size for everyone. They really are not.

If you are going to be purchasing massage therapy gift certificates, please make sure you are buying them for someone that wants it. If they don’t like massage getting them a gift certificate isn’t going to change their mind. This can be potentially very awkward, please, just don’t.

If they like massage and have a massage therapist they prefer, buy a gift certificate from them. Do not buy them a gift certificate your massage therapist because you think yours is better. The only time you get someone a gift certificate from another therapist when they already have a preferred massage therapist. is if they have told you they wanted to try another massage therapist.

If they are recovering from surgery or injury, have a medical condition, are in treatment for cancer or a survivor please make certain you are purchasing a gift certificate from a massage therapist that is fully qualified to work safely and effectively with them. This matters more than you realize. Please feel free to call the massage therapist and visit with them on the phone or in person before you purchase a gift certificate.

Purchasing a gift certificate from a business that hires or contracts massage therapists may not necessarily be able to do this. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the story that someone purchased a gift certificate from ABC place because this wonderful therapist was working there and then when they tried to get an appointment with them, they had moved on.

Don’t fall for Buy One Get One or mad sales from massage therapist you are not familiar with. Every year gift certificates get lost, get stuck in drawers and overlooked. Every year, somewhere in the US some massage therapist or even other companies sell massive amounts of fabulously priced gift certificates only to disappear after the holidays.

Please, please make sure they are a licensed massage therapist, legally licensed to practice massage therapy in Pennsylvania. Do not purchase gift certificates for massage therapy from people that are not licensed to do it.

And if you ever hear the words “that Gift Certificate expired” you might want to inform them of this lovely piece of knowledge. According to the US Credit CARD Act of 2009, “A gift certificate… may contain an expiration date if the expiration date is not earlier than 5 years after the date on which the gift certificate was issued… and the terms of expiration are clearly and conspicuously stated”. http://www.chambersburg.org/blog/2015/09/03/when-do-gift-cards-in-pennsylvania-expire.

So, lighten up, do something that has nothing to do with the holidays and everything to do with taking care of you.