You'll find you have a much happier and healthier life when you decrease stressby getting clear about your values and living by them. Many people come down with a cold or flu during the holidays because of stress, increased sugar ingestion, a change in the weather, or travel. Hugs and kisses add to the enjoyment of the season, but unfortunately they can also be a vector for unwanted viruses. If your immunity's low, you're much more susceptible to viruses setting up residence in your mucous membranes, which in turn, can lead to upper respiratory infections and secondary bacterial infections. The good news is there are many things you can do to keep your immune system optimally healthy.