Snooze & Spruce: Why the Best Sleep Hack is a Christmas Tree

'Tis the season to be jolly, and it turns out, also to sleep like a baby! Move over, counting sheep – according to Yahoo News, the latest trend for catching those Zs involves decking the halls of your bedroom with a Christmas tree. That's right, folks, it's not just for the living room anymore!

We spoke to sleep expert Carl Wash from Bed Guru to uncover the secrets behind this unexpected yuletide revelation. According to Wash, our brains are like sponges, soaking up information from our surroundings. And guess what? That information gets translated into chemical signals, unleashing the dynamic duo of hormones – melatonin and cortisol. These hormones play a pivotal role in regulating our sleep cycles. So, what's the secret ingredient here? Color!

Wash suggests that the color green, especially in softer shades, is the magic ticket to relaxation and high-quality sleep. If you've been tossing and turning, maybe it's time to trade in those neon pink pillowcases for some soothing greenery. After all, 'tis the season of giving (yourself the gift of a good night's sleep).

But wait, there's more! We caught up with aromacologist Kim Lahiri, who spilled the pine-scented beans on the additional benefits of having a Christmas tree in your sleep sanctuary. According to Yahoo!, chemicals released by Christmas trees that have been linked to various health benefits.

"Alpha-pinene, a common compound found in essential oils and Christmas trees alike, is not just your ordinary fragrance. It's a multitasking superhero," Lahiri declares. And what can this superhero do, you ask? Well, for starters, it's a microbial warrior, ready to vanquish those pesky bacteria. But that's not all – it's also armed with antioxidant powers, ready to take on harmful compounds lurking in the shadows.

But the magic doesn't stop there! Alpha-pinene, according to Lahiri, moonlights as a sleep whisperer, helping you drift off into dreamland with ease. Say goodbye to tossing, turning, and counting imaginary sheep – the aroma of a Christmas tree might just be the secret to your sweetest dreams.

And let's not forget about beta-pinene, another Christmas tree compound with its own set of superpowers. Lahiri reveals that beta-pinene comes to the rescue when it comes to those everyday aches and pains. Forget about reaching for the painkillers – a whiff of Christmas magic might be all you need to soothe those weary muscles.

So, there you have it – the case for bringing a bit of evergreen magic into your sleep space. This holiday season, consider ditching the sleep aids and tinsel-ing your way to better sleep with a Christmas tree. Who knew the key to a silent night was just a few pine needles away? Sweet dreams, and Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Now that the Thanksgiving meal is behind us and we are all still feeling more than stuffed, it's time we shift our focus. To more food! Here, we'll cut into four great dinner options to feed the whole family at Christmas dinner.

Yes, Thanksgiving requires a lot of hours in the kitchen. Prepping a turkey, maybe even frying one, takes some proper attention. Then, to some, the most important part is the sides that go with the main attraction. Again, making these side dishes means cooking up a storm. However, perhaps we underappreciate the art of this meal. For the most part, the menu is designed for us. Furthermore, it is consistent every year. All you have to decide is how much to make based around how many people will be gathered around your table.

Fast forward a month, and it's time to prepare another epic holiday meal. In addition to running around to grab last-minute gifts, if you are hosting a Christmas get-together you have to do a lot of preparing, again.

Here, we are going to break down some options to jump-start your Christmas prep. First, let's set the table on some criteria, and some bust some myths. You certainly do not need to reinvent the wheel and cook up something extraordinarily unique. In fact, it's best to keep it simple. Dozens of classic dishes have already been well-established as delicious to satisfy your family, friends, and guests.

The thought process in suggesting these four Christmas dinner options is that they are proven to be delightful. They can also be prepared in large batches that do not require a tremendous amount of hours in the kitchen. These meals are family-friendly and are sharable. Some of them you may even be able to combine together. Again, this list won't spark an idea that's never been cooked up. Perhaps it just serves as a simple reminder that these Christmas dinner menu items can be straightforward and delicious enough.

A large tray of a baked pasta based meal that everyone gets to cut into just feels like a natural option. There's room here to customize your tray of course. Add meat, make it a veggie, or have one of each. Plus, the red sauce nicely compliments your holiday-themed table setting.

We'll need to clarify here, your best bet here is a log shaped filet that can be evenly cut into quarter inch - to half inch slices. There's something festive to carving a meal item in your kitchen, that is freshly cooked. You take pride in hosting and then slicing. You place your sliced filet on that serving platter that is used just once a year, walk it into the dining room and then feel joy when everyone digs in.

It's all about the slow-cooker or crock pot. You can let it warm in the kitchen all day, allowing a sharp aroma to seep into every room the family gathers in. This style is for more of the grab something quick and on-the-go Christmas meal gathering. Perhaps you have people in and out of your house, stopping by for a "cheers" throughout the day. A chili bar never disappoints. Add in your side bowls of shredded cheddar, tortilla crisps, scallions, and sour cream, and you are giving your guests the opportunity to put their own touch on your creation.

This is the meal that gives you the option for a fancier sit-down dinner. The ham centerpiece is typically joined by elegant wine glasses and pre-feast toast. Throw some potato side dishes along with an asparagus or string bean casserole, and your living room is now a fine-dining restaurant. This meal allows you to take your time. The next thing you know, it's dark outside, and you are putting a bow on your enjoyable Christmas night.