The cold and flu season is upon us and this means the entire family is exposed to more germs. Kids can pick up germs from school, parents come in contact with germs at work, and short outings to the shopping center risk the entire family's health. So how do you fight back? Sometimes the solution comes from a few simple tips and tricks.

The following was reportedly written on the wall of Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta, India. Such inspirational words from an incredible woman!

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
- Mother Teresa

If you feel financially and mentally overwhelmed with the frenzy of gift giving during the holidays, here is an idea that may help you refocus your time and attention to the spirit of Christmas. About nine years ago I was reading a book about holiday traditions and learned of children receiving three simple gifts on Christmas, just as Jesus received three gifts from the Wise Men. We gathered together and talked about starting this tradition in our own family. Everyone agreed this would help us. . .

"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving."
-Mother Teresa