IT’S THAT TIME of year when excitement reigns. Many of us are in a state approaching nirvana going into the holidays and the New Year.

Our deepest hope as we celebrate is to be filled with that extra sense of family and community. However, the excitement can also occasionally get overwhelming when the whole season is not put in proper perspective.

The key to conquering the holidays is to keep focused, and stop unwanted stress from creeping in. Easier said than done in the modern world, but quite attainable if you keep one very important question in mind throughout the festivities: If not now, when?

Most of us experience ups and downs throughout the year, preferably more ups than downs. The end of year holiday season is truly the appropriate time to celebrate fully. In other words, don’t hold back! Bring out your best!

If now is not the time to put out the best silverware, when might be the right time? If now is not the right time to crack the special bottle of wine you’ve been saving, when is the right time? The culmination of a year of hard work, and the end of another year of growth and bonding should not fade lightly. It is to be celebrated with vigor!

It is my sincerest hope that our Las Vegas hotel guests celebrating the holiday season with us (and at home) are filled with the spirit of the season and the luxury of proper perspective throughout. If not now, when?

The featured blogger for this post is Station Casinos Vice President of Food & Beverage Mark LaVoie.