Even if you don't approach the holidays with a loud "bah-humbug!" - and I don't - there's no denying that gathering family, friends and sometimes strangers can have its unique stresses.

First up is Thanksgiving.

On a diet? Good luck. First holiday sober? Ditto. Just lost your job? Well, this year you're not alone. To help you, here reporter Steven Friedman asked a number of local experts how to deal with the, uh, challenges of the holidays with grace and style in this week's Covered.

You can thank us later.

Even if these tough economic times, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on what we do have, not just what's missing this year. And if you have friends and loved ones, then you are truly blessed.

We at here wish you a wonderful holiday, and many blessings ahead.

Thoughts? E-mail me at editor.here@gmail.com, drop me at line at here, P.O. Box 6150, Novato 94948, fax me at 415-883-5458 or just add your comments at www.marin-sonoma-here.com.

- Vicki Larson, here editor