As we head into the home stretch of the holiday season, with just nine days left until Christmas, isn't it time we took a little break to be kind to ourselves? Here are nine ways, for these nine days, to treat yourself well.

1. TREAT TIRED TOOTSIES

Feet flummoxed from all the holiday shopping? Do your overtaxed feet a favor. Plop down on your favorite chair, put your feet up and give them a session with Pampered Toes. It's like a yoga stretch for the feet. The cool, flexible gel wraps around toes and gently relaxes them into a therapeutic stretch that refreshes and invigorates. Sold at Wal-Mart; $10.

2. BUNDLE UP WITH A GOOD BOOK

Whether it's a good novel, a self-help survival treatise or an inspirational style tome, a book break can always be a treat for the mind and soul. We found escape in "Tiffany Style: 170 Years of Design," by John Loring. Its archival photographs and 275 illustrations track the evolution of the iconic company's quintessential American style. Sold at bookstores and Tiffany & Co.; $50.

3. FIX THOSE LITTLE OOPS

Whether you're rushing from work to a holiday party or from gym to job, those little fashion faux pas seem to occur at the worst possible times. Be prepared, and you'll stress less. The entire line of Miss Oops! products and kits is designed just for these situations. For holidays, the Critical Care Kit is a must. It has a Pucker Protector, Rescue Sponge and Pedicure in a Bottle.

Find the Miss Oops! Critical Care Kit at Modern Pacific Weddings, Kaimuki, or www.missoops.com; $18.

4. SPA THYSELF WITH A STAYCATION

With the economy tanking, this may not be the year for a holiday vacation. However, maybe a mini spa staycation can serve to de-stress you. Try a therapeutic lomi lomi ola massage at Moana Lani Spa at the Westin Moana Surfrider, the newest (and only oceanside) spa on the Waikiki scene. Or how about a relaxing facial in oasis of tranquility SpaHalekulani? Both hotels offer a soothing cup of herb tea; extend the indulgence with a shower, steam or sauna. Get information on services and rates at www.moanalanispa.com or www.halekulani.com/spa_halekulani.

5. THERAPY BEGINS AT HOME

There's a little stress-busting secret I keep on my desk at the office. It's called Peace of Mind lotion by Origins. With essential oils of eucalyptus, basil and peppermint, it helps to open my sinuses, clear my head and give me a sense of calm. I dab it on the back of my neck, under my nose and at my temples. Find the lotion, $10, purse size diffuser, $13.50, and, sold only during the holidays, gum balls, $10, at Macy's, Origins stores and www.origins.com.

6. SOOTHE THE SOUL WITH SEWING

Sewing can be a zen-like experience. Whether it's sitting at a sewing machine or stitching by hand, it can be a great de-stresser. Sewing can also be a holiday money-saver. Making little fabric bags for gift wrap can take less time, and cost less money, than conventional wrapping paper, tape and ribbon.

7. BAKE BREAD, NOT FRUITCAKE

OK, so no one wants fruitcake anymore; we've seen it given and re-given into oblivion every year. Why not bake something that's as healthy and satisfying for you as it is for the recipient? Whole-wheat bread baking in the oven makes the whole house smell homey and relaxing.

8. PRETTY YET PRACTICAL PARTY SHOES

Are your feet exhausted from all the shopping and running around, but you really want to wear some pretty party shoes to the company fete? Cute comfort shoes used to be an oxymoron, but companies such as Asgi have changed that by incorporating innovative technology usually reserved for performance athletic shoes. The Marcy Mary Jane, with its fashion-forward cut-out heel and pewter strap, is our fave. The Walking Co. carries the line, but not this particular shoe right now. Online it's at www.asgishoes.com. Jazz it up with the prettiest (not to mention long-lasting) pantyhose on the planet, from Wolford in Ala Moana Center. One sexy style has the seam up the front.

9. HYDRATE FROM HEAD TO TOE

Baby, it's damp outside, but the holidays can still rob us of needed moisture, inside and out. Drink plenty of water, especially pre- and post-party. The general guideline is two glasses of water for every alcoholic drink consumed. Lips can take a beating with even the tiniest change in weather. Blistex has just introduced Deep Renewal with Coenzyme Q-10, the gold standard for moisturization, in drug stores for about $3. For skin hydration, you can't beat shea butter, and L'Occitane (with stores at Ala Moana and Royal Hawaiian centers) has dozens of great products with the magical moisture ingredient. We love the 100 percent shea butter in a little pot for cuticles and lips and the 25 percent in a tube for hands and bodies. Try the lavender-infused version for added stress relief.