BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY 2013 Bear HOLIDAY 2013 FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FREE Blood Drive Scheduled There will be a blood drive in memory of Senator James J Rhoades on January 6, 2014 in the LGI room. The drive is scheduled from 12pm to 5pm. We hold three blood drives a year. For the past three years we were able to award a senior student with a $500 Scholarship from the Red Cross. Our goal for this year is to increase our donors and in- crease the amount of scholarship money we are Congratulations to Jennie Neifert who awarded from the Red Cross. Please consider do- was recently voted to be nating. Contact Nurse Merchlinsky if you are inter- ested in donating. Mahanoy Area’s 2014 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Students to Attend Representative Young Men’s Future Congratulations to Calvin Talbott for being chosen as the winner in the Symposium Artist of the Month contest for May. The Young Men’s Futures Symposium is a one day His illustration will be printed in workshop of mentoring, motivation, and opportu- the Pottsville Republican newspaper nity for high school sophomores and juniors. The in May. young men who participate are given the chance to explore the opportunities available to them af- ter high school through their interaction with men in the career world. Topics to be covered include: Congratulations to the Elks Students of appropriate conduct and dress for interviews, good the Month for October communication skills, matching career choice with personal skills/interest, non-traditional career op- Jen Jackowiak and Greg Merchlinsky tions, managing and understanding personal fi- nance, techniques for goal setting, personal con- fidence and appreciation of one’s unique qualities. Select students attending: Mark Mahmod, Darryl Students in grades 9-12 who would like to contribute Andreas, Corbin White, Jason Richmond, Marcus to the next issue of Bear Facts, should sign up in Ms. Schmerfeld, Nick Scicchitano, Cody Stetson, Colin Scic’s room any day during remediation or at 2:30. Casserly. Topics are available or choose one of your own. BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY 2013

sylvania ecology. If a student wants to participate ENVIROTHON they need to contact Mrs. Stone. Only ten students are able to go to the competition. Students need to The Envirothon attend the majority of the study sessions, have at is a competi- least an 87 average in science, no more than one ton that is held detention and no ISS. They also need to be part of once a year. the recycling program. Mrs. Stone is the advisor Two teams and has been for seven years. Mrs. Brylewski was per school are the previous advisor. It was then passed onto Mrs. tested on their Stone because she teaches environmental science knowledge in and ecology. She also is interested in the environ- soil and land ment. use, aquatics, There are currently twelve members that attend- forestry, ecol- ed three study sessions so far this year. There ogy, wildlife, are three returning members. They are Marcus and environmental issues. Mahanoy takes teams Schmerfeld, Daryl Andreas and Nicholas Scicchi- from the elementary, middle, and high school. Stu- tano. The Schuylkill County Conservation District dents in grades 9-12 are invited to join the Envi- has not informed Mrs. Stone yet when the Envi- rothon study sessions. They are held at least once rothon will take place this Spring. It will be held at a month to help prepare students for the Envi- the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds. rothon. Students need to have an interest in Penn- JEFF DONNELLY YES Students Tour SPCA PROJECT Area Business

The YES students toured Solar Innovations on No- vember 14th. Solar Innovations design and make glass walls, railings, window systems and doors; conservatories, greenhouses, sunrooms retractable roofs and alternative energy systems. Students toured the full facility learning about the importance of communicat-ion skills, customer service, and what qualities the company looks for when hiring a prospective employee. Students also learned what it means to be LEED certified as Solar Innovations is trying to A district-wide collection for the SPCA is being achieve Platinum status. If granted they will be conducted under the guidance of Ms. Dot Scicchi- 1 of only 10 manufacturers in the tano in memory of Mr. Jeff Donnelly. Students who to achieve this. Students were impressed by the participate get a candy cane to take home. Dona- company’s passion for excellence. tions will be accepted until December 18th. BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY 2013 Talent Search DUI/Distracted Talent Search is a federal grant funded program that helps students explore education and career Driving options. The program is open to everyone but is highly recommended for students who are the first Simulations generation in their family to go to college and have On Tuesday November 5th our junior class partici- good grades, behavior, and attendance at school. pated in a program using DUI/Distracted Driving The program is continuous through graduation simulators. Students were able to use the simula- and is intended to aid students in applying and tors to see the consequences of driving while im- being accepted to any type of post-secondary in- paired or distracted. This program was provided by stitution, whether it is a 2 or 4 year college, busi- the Lehigh Valley Health Network free of charge. ness, trade, or technology school. Talent Search is a great supplement to guidance services offered at Mahanoy Area. The advisor is Miss Fritz, the Talent Search Aca- demic Specialist. Entry to the program usually be- gins in 8th grade in Mrs. Kern’s Career Education classes, but Miss Fritz has taken students based on guidance and teacher recommendation. In Talent Search, Miss Fritz takes students to career places to explore various fields of work and to post-sec- ondary school campuses to expose them to public and private schooling options. Students have said they benefited from this pro- gram and that they would be lost in the admissions and financial aid process without the additional help of being in Talent Search. They also gain good stress relief and study and interviewing and skills Junior Noel Bernardyn tries the simulator in the tips along the way. LGI room Students Attend Students Attend Youth Career Fair Conference The following students attended an Accounting The following students attended a youth confer- Career Day at Kutztown University on November ence on Friday, Nov. 8 with Ms. Brylewski: James 6 with business teacher, Ms. Loy: Lenny Dulsky, Thomas, Christy Evancho, Tyler Cavenas, Shaina Mason Evitts, Nolan Fegley, Luke Holman, Isabella Leshko, Erin Noon, Andy Kuzma, Greg Merchlin- Ixim, M’Kyle Kaminsky, Desiree Malacusky, Jennie sky, Ruby Rodgers, Kylee Roberts, and Brooke Ku- Neifert, Devan Smith, Jen Jackowiak, Dylan Mah- frovich mod, and Kylee Roberts.

Students Attend Math Competition The following students attended the Bloomsburg Alyssa Lorah, Kelsey Macieunas, Dylan Mahmod, Math Contest on Tuesday November 19 with Mr. Corrine Mensch, Gregory Merchlinsky, Kylee Bet: Tyler Cavenas, Tyler Davies, Brandon Donel- Roberts, James Thomas, Shawna Roberts, Alex son, Justin Hall, Jen Jackowiak, Andrew Kuzma, Witiszin, and Robert Wozniak.

BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY 2013

Students Recognize Bear Facts: get involved

Bears Facts is a club run by Ms. Scic. In Bear National Food Day Facts you gather information for the high school newspaper, which is published at least four times per school year. You can join by seeing Ms. Scic in the art room. The number of students that are members vary for each issue. But they are always looking for new members. All students grades 9th to 12th are welcome. There is something for ev- eryone. Staff members can meet with Ms. Scic in- dividually at any time during remediation or after school. Ms. Scic was asked many years ago to take the place of the advi- sor at the time while she was In celebrational of National Food Day, NAC has pre- on leave for six pared popcorn hands for distribution during lunch months. It end- periods. NAC is advised by Mrs. Bethany Pepe. ed up being permanent. “I enjoy desktop publish- ing, gathering information and working with inter- ested students,” says Ms. Scic. All issues of Bear Facts can be viewed on the mabears website. It allows alumni, current students, parents, and com- munity members to see the latest happenings at Mahanoy Area. 2014 Yearbooks on Sale $76.00

see Ms. Scic in the high school art room BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY 2013 Making Club Memories Last Briefs Sewing and Fashion Club had a Family Fun Night at Friendly’s (Fairlane Village Mall) on Monday, De- cember 2nd from 5pm-8pm. In addition to a por- tion of all carry-out and dine-in sales, members sold holiday baked goods, craft items, held a bas- ket raffle, had hourly 50/50 drawings, face and nail painting, and photos with Holiday Helpers!

Sewing and Fashion Club is also collecting dona- The yearbook staff consists of students that want tions of unwanted craft supply items. Items can to contribute to the yearbook in some way. The be dropped off in the High School Office c/o Mrs. yearbook staff does not use the normal setup of a Pepe- Sewing and Fashion Club. president, vice president, treasurer, secretary. This club has editors instead. If you want to be a mem- Do you have a rip in your favorite pair of pants or a ber of the yearbook staff, you need to be willing to button that needs re-attached? See Mrs. Pepe and spend time, pay attention to detail, and have writ- the Sewing and Fashion Club for your mending ing skills, and/or photography skills. Being a part needs. Button repairs are only $0.25. Holes, rips, of the yearbook staff isn’t an easy task. etc are $0.25 per inch. The yearbook staff affects our school in many ways, but the main way is the importance of creat- ing a high quality yearbook because it is how our The Nutrition Advisory Council is sponsoring a memories will live on. Most students do not real- canned food drive to benefit the needy. High School ize the significance of a yearbook until many years students are asked to bring in a non-perishable or after graduation. canned food item to their homeroom teacher be- The Class of 2015 should be ready to begin their tween December 3rd and December 18th. Students book in the Spring of their junior year. It is an ex- will receive one movie/ raffle ticket per item sub- citing activity as senior year approaches. mitted to attend the holiday movie on December One of the greatest parts of being a member of 19th. the yearbook staff is that you get to play a role in creating something that members of your class will The Nutrition Advisory Council and Global Foods treasure more and more with each passing year. It class members are heading to the works as a history book, a reference book and a Farm Show in Harrisburg, PA on Monday, January picture book! 6th. Students will learn about agriculture, Penn- Although being a member of the staff can be very sylvania products, and view chef demonstrations time consuming, it does not really have to be since throughout the day. Admission is free and limited it can be worked on anywhere there is Internet ac- to club or class members. cess. Students that are interested in becoming paart of the 2015 staff can take responsibility for Any ski club member participating in the first ski very small or very large jobs, but, as with anything, trip to Big Boulder January 3, 2014, should have it is important that students complete the tasks signed up in the cafeteria. Remember: if you signed they say they will. The 2014 book is well underway up, your account will be charged whether you go with just a few staff members and is looking awe- or not. The last day to sign up was December 12 some. Juniors, get ready to begin your book in at 2:30. March, 2014!

BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY 2013 Mahanoy Area Writing Competition Are you thinking of joining a club or sport? Well, Year 28 of the DuPont Challenge—a national writ- then you should consider joining Mahanoy Area ing competition for middle and high school stu- wrestling team. The team is coached my Mark Law- dents—kicked off in the beginning of November. rence and Sam Quick. Coach Lawrence has around The DuPont Challenge calls on students in grades twenty years of coaching experience. Coach Law- 7–12 from the United States, Canada, and U.S. ter- rence said, “I coach for the love of the sport and for ritories to research, think critically, and write an es- the kids.” Wrestling is a sport unlike any other. “It say that provides innovative ideas on the world’s teaches you to work through more adversity than most pressing challenges, or demonstrates the ap- any other sport,” Coach said. Wrestling consists plication of science, technology, engineering and of one-on-one matches, where the two wrestlers try mathematics (STEM) to our daily lives. to win by pin-fall or by having the most points at This year, the Challenge encourages students to the end of the match. One thing to keep in mind consider how science and innovation can be used though is that wrestling is actually both a team and to meet the needs of the 21st century for food, en- an individual sport. “I think it is a great team and ergy, and protection. Students should address one individual sport, there is no truer team sport,” said of the four following categories in a 700- to 1,000- Coach Lawrence. word essay: The wrestling season consists of dual meets, which are school vs school matches, and individual Together, we can feed the world. tournaments. The season starts in November and Together, we can build a secure energy future. ends around March. “It is tough, physically and Together, we can protect people and the environ- mentally...” Coach Lawrence said. The practices ment. are not by any means a walk in the park. The prac- Together, we can be innovative anywhere. tices are daily and start at 4 p.m. and end around 6:00 p.m. The only things needed to join the club Students and sponsoring teacher prizes include are a hydration test, physical, wrestling shoes, and savings bonds, teaching grants, exciting trips, a never give up attitude. If you want to join the team, and much more. The deadline for submissions is talk to anyone on the team or to one of the coaches. January 31, 2014. For more information, including To those people that are scared to join because of official rules, entry forms, and details on awards, a lack of experience, “talk to Woz! And there is no please visit the Challenge website: better way to overcome those fears than just join- ing and trying it out,” said Coach Lawrence. The http://www.thechallenge.dupont.com/ sport is lacking in numbers and more people would be a great help to the program.

Earn $100 For Your Faculty vs. Students Class Account Game Do you want to earn $100 dollars for your classes The faculty student volleyball game will take place account. Then make a donation to the American on December 20th. Student Council Representa- Heart Association by December 20th. Donations tives are in charge of making a team for each grade. should be given to your Student Council Repre- The grade that wins the tournament will get to play sentatives or Mrs. Brylewski. The class that makes the faculty. See Mrs. Brylewski or a student council the largest donation will earn the $100. So far the member if you have questions. feshman has $1. BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY 2013 Hypnotist Visits Measles Still Mahanoy Threatens Health Security On an average 430 children - 18 every hour - die of measles worldwide. Before the U.S. vaccination program started in 1963, measles was a year-round threat in this country. Nearly every child became infected; each year 450 to 500 people died each year, 48,000 were hospitalized, 7,000 had seizures, and about 1,000 suffered permanent brain damage or deafness Measles, once considered an eradicated disease in the USA, is on the rise. People infected abroad continue to spark out- breaks among pockets of unvaccinated people, including infants and young children. It is still a serious illness: 1 in 5 children with measles is On Tuesday October 22nd, 8th to 12th grade stu- hospitalized. Usually there are about 60 cases per dents saw the Derrick Watkins Assembly. Derrick year, but 2013 saw a spike in American communi- is a comedy hypnotist with a drug and alcohol ties – some 175 cases and counting – virtually all prevention message. The students really enjoyed linked to people who brought the infection home the assembly and Derrick received a standing ova- after foreign travel. tion. Attention Football Players

Senior football players need to give Mrs Merchlin- sky pictures for the powerpoint by December 20th. Pictures should include senior picture and baby picture.

Football banquet will be held January 5th at 5pm at the Ryan Township Fire Company. Players and coaches tickets are complimentary. Additional tickets can be purchased for $12 from Mrs Mer- chlinsky. Deadline for ticket purchase is January 3rd.

Austin Forte salutes while hypnotized by Derrick Watkins. 12/24 Concert A Transiberian Orchestra Spectacular Sunday, December 15 @ 6 pm Mahanoy Area Auditorium Tickets: $17 in advance & $20 at the door. Sponsored by the Mahanoy Area Music Boosters BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY 2013 Name That Christmas Movie!

Here’s the quote, you name the Christmas movie that this man to be Santa Claus, this court will not dispute it’s from! it. Case dismissed.” 1. “Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets 7. “Bless this highly nutritious microwavable macaroni his wings.” and cheese dinner and the people who sold it on sale. 2. “What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from Amen.” a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit 8. “We’re your worst nightmare... Elves with attitude.” more.” 9. “Fog as thick as peanut butter” 3. “It’s a one year membership to the Jelly of the Month 10. “Lovely, glorious, beautiful Christmas, upon which Club.” the entire kid year revolved.” 4. “You’ll shoot your eye out kid!” 11. “The thing about trains... it doesn’t matter where 5. “He never got his picture on bubble gum cards, did they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on.” he? Have you ever seen his picture on a bubble gum 12. “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many card? Hmmm? How can you say someone is great other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful who’s never had his picture on bubble gum cards?” hole, doesn’t he?” 6. “Uh, since the United States Government declares

Nutrition Advisory Council Members Served their annual Holiday Turkey Dinner on Thursday, November 21 during all lunches to all students, faculty and staff. BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY 2013

“FOR LASTING MEMORIES” Daniel’s

PHOTOGRAPHY 110 West Centre Street Mahanoy City, PA 17948

570-773-2972 BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY 2013 Useless Christmas Facts and Trivia Are you or a 1.The Song White Christmas is the biggest selling Christmas single of all-time. ... Having problems keeping your grades 2.Sugar Plums are chocolate candies that are filled up? with fruit preservatives or other sweet cream fill- ...No longerfriend... feel like hanging out with ings. friends or family? 3.The Christmas Poem The Night Before Christmas ...Not enjoying your favorite activities written by Clement Moore was originally titled A like you used to? Visit from St. Nicholas. ...Being bullied or harrassed? 4.The Song Jingle Bells was originally titled One ...Feeling like you just can’t seem to get Horse Open Sleigh . it together? 5.Did you realize the name Santa Claus is not men- ...Experimenting with or using alcohol or tioned once in the popular Christmas poem The other drugs? Night Before Christmas . ...Adjusting to a new school? 6.Early Christmas trees were decorated with fruits, ...Close to someone or have a family flowers and candles which were heavy on the tree member serving in the military? branches. In the 1800’s German glass blowers be- ...Having thought of hurting yourself or gan producing glass balls to replace the heavy someone else? decorations and called then bulbs. ...Feeling emotionally overwhelmed? 7.Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was written ...Always worrying? and created by Robert May. May was an employee ...Thinking about suicide? of the department store Montgomery Ward, and ...Dealing with the breakup of a relationship? created Rudolph for Montgomery Wards who is- ...Being hurt physically or emotionally by sued coloring books each year to children at their someone? stores for Christmas. ...Dealing with major changes in your 8.The most popular version of Rudolph the Red- family like your parents’ divorce? Nosed Reindeer was recorded by Gene Autry in ...Dealing with the illness or death of 1949 and sold 2 million copies of the song in one someone close to you? year. The Student Assistance Team is a group 9.Hallmark introduced its first Christmas cards in of that is here to help you deal with problems 1915, five years after the founding of the compa- that are stopping you from doing well ny. in school or stressing you out. The staff 10.In North America, children put stockings out at will respect you and your parent’s/ Christmas time. Their Dutch counterparts, how- guardian’s privacy at all times. ever, use shoes. Dutch children set out shoes to Members include receive gifts any time between mid-November and Tom Smith Kate Orsulak December 5, St. Nicholas’ birthday. Josette Bet Trinna Delia Dot Sciccitano Andrea Caulfield Bridget Pollack Cathy Stone Suzanne Merchlinsky Pam Wetzel Carolyn Fishburn Artie DiCasimirro

BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY 2013 Class News Senior Class News: President Erin Noon dent, Jennie Neifert-Vice President, Kimmy Lough- The Class of 2014 is now selling lollipops and beef lin-Secretary and Nolan Fegley-Treasurer. One of sticks outside of school for our Senior class fund- our goals for this year is to raise money for the raiser. Thus far, it is helping students get their 2016 class account. Our class sold Gertrude Hawk dues paid. This will allow them to receive a free Chocolate until November 22, 2013. We are ready yearbook. We are also taking suggestions for to take great responsibility for our class and com- class song, class flower, and class moto. We have plete our goals. selected our prom DJ and photographer. Freshman Class Report: President Liam Mansell Junior Class Report: President Gabrielle Lorady The Freshman Class has come up with some fund- The Junior Class had their class meeting on No- raisers for this year. Our first fundraiser will be a vember 6, 2013. At the meeting we discussed fund- photo booth at the next formal. Our second fund- raisers and handed out a financial report of owed raiser will be pictures with the Easter bunny. The money on class dues. The class has agreed on the freshman are also supporting the seniors by buy- fundraisers of selling quarter length zip ups that ing their lollipops and beef sticks. The freshman represent Mahanoy Area and Lady Bug Blessings. participated in the games at the last pep rally. The Some of the junior girls are writing essays to be freshman had a good showing at the bonfire for picked for the Pottsville Winter Carnival. Lastly, the eastern conference championship game. Many the junior class took the ASVAB test on November freshman have been participating in clubs such 19, 2013. as, business club, interact club, Sadd, and Span- Sophomore Class Report: President Luke Holman ish club. The freshman class is ready to begin the The following students were selected for the 2013- winter sports season with many joining and par- 2014 year as class officers: Luke Holman-Presi- ticipating in athletics. Dress Down Day Benefits Neidlinger Scholarship On te third Thursday of No- Andrew’s dress down days are Gifts to the Foundation vember, in conjunction held in conjunction with Kick Butts are invested according to Foun- with the Great American Day in April and the Great American dation policy, and grants are then Smoke Out, the annu- Smoke Out in November because made from these perma- al Dress Down for Andrew he was a committed member of the nent funds to qualified lo- Day was held. All monies MA Teens Against Tobacco (TAT) cal charitable organizations collected benefited the Andrew while a student at Mahanoy. as well as in the form of scholar- Neidlinger Memorial Scholarship The Andrew Neidlinger Memorial ships and awards. Please contact Fund that bestows an an- Scholarship is administered through Eileen Kuperavage, Ex- nual scholarship to a Schuylkill Area Community Foun- ecutive Director at eku- graduating Golden Bear dation www.sacfoundation.com . All [email protected] or football player, or cheer- donations are tax deduct- Sharon Koszyk at sko- leader if no football play- ible. The Foundation is a col- [email protected] if you ers apply or meet eligibility. lection of philanthropic wish to make a donation Andrew was a 2005 grad- funds, each created by a different at any time. uate of MAHS, a Gold- donar for a variety of purposes. Thank you all for your gen- en Bear football player Each fund retains its own iden- erous and ongoing sup- and team captain, and was tity, donor defined objectives and port of The Andrew an active member of his benefits from pooled invest- Neidlinger Memo- school and community. ments with other funds. rial Scholarship. BEAR FACTS MAHANOY AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY 2013 Christmas Trivia 4 Tips to Keeping Your

1. How many times does Santa check his list? New Year’s 2. The Grinch is as cuddly as a ______? 3. It would have been a laugh to see Mommy doing Resolutions what last night? You’ve made a New Year’s resolution? Congratulations: 4. One foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say Research says you’re 10 times more likely to success- what? fully alter a behavior than you would if you didn’t make 5. Good tidings to you, and all of your what? a start-of-the-year vow. And maybe that’s why some 45 6. Who was seated next to me a day or two ago in percent of American adults ring in the New Year with a the song Jingle Bells? resolution. 7. Why do I want my two front teeth for Christ- But will they keep it? According to statistics, almost mas? half will give up on their goals within six months. Avoid 8. What did Frosty The Snowman do when they being one of them. No matter what you’ve vowed—to lose weight? get fit? save money?—these four tips will placed the magic hat on his head? help you achieve your goal. 9. What does Alvin want for Christmas in The Chip- munk Song? Be Specific 10. On the eleventh day of Christmas, what did my Vague goals won’t work. “You’ve got to develop a spe- true love send to me? cific action plan for change,” says John Norcross, 11. I’m dreaming of a White Christmas with what? Ph.D., coauthor of Changeology: 5 Steps to Realizing 12. What do Janice and Jen want for Christmas in Your Goals and Resolutions ($25, amazon.com). Map the song It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christ- out your strategy before New Year’s arrives. If you want mas to lose weight, target a precise number of pounds to shed, then set concrete mini-goals and the dates on which you aim to accomplish each of them. Want to Answers to “Name That Christmas Movie” save money? Determine the amount you will put aside each month and identify explicit changes in behavior 1. It’s a Wonderful Life you’ll make to get there, whether that means skipping 2. How The Grinch Stole Christmas your afternoon latte or carpooling to work to save on 3.National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation fuel costs. 4. A Christmas Story 5.A Charlie Brown Christmas Make Your Goal Public 6. Miracle On 34th Street Share your decision to change with friends and family 7. Home Alone who can offer support when you’re wavering and en- 8. The Santa Claus couragement when you’re doing well at sticking to your 9. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer resolution. “Public commitments are generally more 10. A Christmas Story successful than private decisions,” says Norcross. 11. The Polar Express 12. It’s A Wonderful Life Substitute Good Behaviors for “Bad” Answers to Christmas Trivia Don’t rely on willpower alone to help you change, ad- 1. Twice vises Norcross. That approach won’t work. Instead, 2. Cactus! build in a healthy behavior that’s incompatible with the 3. Kissing Santa Claus! one you want to change. So if eating your usual midaft- 4. Rudolf With Your Nose So Bright, Won’t You Guide My ernoon treat runs contrary to your goal of dropping a Sleigh Tonight? few pounds, put together a small like-minded group 5. Kin! and commit to taking a quick, brisk walk at your normal 6. Miss Fanny Bright! snack time. Each time you put the brakes on “bad” be- 7. So I could wish you Merry Christmas! havior, you’ll increase your confidence in your ability to 8. He began to dance around! make the change. 9. A Hula Hoop! 10. Eleven Pipers Piping! Track Your Progress 11. Every Christmas card I write! Record or chart your changed behavior. “Research in- 12. Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk! dicates that such ‘self-monitoring’ increases the prob- ability of keeping your resolution,” says Norcross.