Knowing what to do -- and what not to do -- this holiday season will keep things cheery and less stressful for everyone! Here’s what you need to know.

La Invitación
When making the invite list for your own party, it’s okay to leave off recently divorced couples. No need to be uncomfortable at Christmas. But if you still want to include them, you should call each party to let them know that their former partner is coming. The goal is to let them know they’re wanted at the gathering, but to give them the opportunity to bow out.

Comer y Beber
When it comes to eating and drinking, the policy for both guest and host is to be a “Moderate Maria.” Never enter a guest’s home empty handed. And don't over drink, even if Tia Gloria’s sangria is to die for. 

Conversely, if you see someone getting inebriated, make sure they have a designated driver and offer them some of your specialty café con leche. Never let a guest drive away drunk, even if you have to embarrass them. Better safe than sorry!

Los Regalos
In case one of your invitados shows up “plus one,” keep some extra “neutral gifts” a mano. Some neutral goodies -- such as candles, spa sets, etc. -- will make you look prepared.

And if you’re on the receiving end of getting something that doesn't fit or is just truly awful (like an ugly bedazzled sweater!)? Just grit your teeth, smile, y de las gracias. You can throw out that bad boy later!

Comunicación
When it comes to cell phones, leave a basket at the entrance and ask everyone to leave their devices there. Another idea is to post a sign for a “Tech-Free Zone.” There’s honestly little chance people will totally comply. But at least they'll think twice about texting at the dinner table.

Photo: Corbis Images

The holiday season offers many opportunities to give back to la comunidad in meaningful ways. Here’s how tres Latinas are helping in their areas.

Helping the Homeless

As a decades-long New Yorker, shop owner Bianca Moreno has endured many crises, from 9/11 to blackouts to subway strikes. But when Hurricane Sandy flooded the Red Hook neighborhood just blocks from Moreno’s Brooklyn apartment, the catastrophe struck close to home.

"I went shopping at a grocery store to prepare for Sandy," says Moreno. “After the storm hit, there was no grocery store. It’s surreal."

Stirred by seeing neighborhood haunts flooded or closed -- and their owners out of money, jobs and homes -- Moreno cooked meals for the newly homeless and displaced. Then she brought them supplies, such as bottled water, batteries and toiletries.

Moreno still contributes by raising money at her vintage store, A Little Wicked. Fifteen percent of all sales go to help storm victims. "I'm committed to volunteer through the holidays. These people need help long-term, especially after the camera crews are gone. I don't want to forget about them."

Galvanizing Volunteers

Elvia Rodriguez, a government agency worker in D.C., doesn't wait for the holidays to lend a helping hand. "What I love about this season is that I can inspire others to volunteer because they tend to be more generous.” 

Rodriguez jumps at the opportunity to educate friends and strangers alike about organizations such as the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and other Latino charities she works with.

Her favorite non-profit? St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. From ice-skating fundraisers to gift giving, the benefits of working with the hospital are a two-way street for Rodriguez. "Helping out helps me, too,” she explains. “Supporting my community makes me feel like I'm part of it."

Comforting Single Moms

Being a single mom is the catalyst for Yvette Castillo's big Christmas spirit. Every year, she volunteers at a battered women’s shelter in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas.

In addition to a big heart, Yvette brings the kids and moms toys and gifts. "I know what it’s like to want things for your kids and not have the resources to get them,” says the native Tejana. “I promised myself if I was ever in a position to help a mom, I would." And so she does.

Looking for more ways to give back this holiday season? Our sponsor, Orgullosa™, is working with the League of United Latin America Citizens (LULAC) to donate toys to Latino kids in need. For every new “Like” on the Orgullosa™ Facebook page, they will donate $1 to LULAC so they can provide toys for kids in need. To learn more about LULAC visit LULAC.org.

 

Like the Orgullosa™ page today to help kids in need!

When Nicole Hernandez was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes in 2007, her world turned upside down. But she was determined to triumph over the disease. The now-26-year-old Cubana took action by educating herself and becoming more health conscious.

“I understood why learning what I put in my body and how it would affect me was very important,” Hernandez says. “Learning how to have a healthy balance between my diet and type-1 diabetes was hard to accomplish. But I think I am at a very good place now.”

In 2009 Hernandez began participating in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) walk at Miami Metro with family friends. After her second year she wanted to do more for the cause, so she created the Art of a Cure Fundraiser. The annual event is an autumn evening of food, drinks, a silent auction and networking. To date, Art of a Cure has raised over $32,500 for the JDRF.

In addition to raising money, Hernandez has used the fundraiser to increase awareness of the disease. As the chair of the Young Leadership Committee of the JDRF of South Florida, she believes it’s her mission to spread the word in her community and help other Latinos with the disease stay healthy.

“If anyone asks me a question, I am very open about talking about type-1 diabetes,” she says. “And, when I hear of someone’s diagnosis, I try to reach out to them and offer my support.”

Hernandez hopes that eventually Art of a Cure Fundraiser will assist the JDRF in finding a cure for the disease. “My goal is for this small event to grow into an evening where thousands attend and millions of dollars are raised.”

For stylist and fashion blogger Yanira Garza, looking fabulous is a way of life. But as a busy mom, she knows how quickly one can fall into the “wear-whatever’s-clean” rut.

Describing her style as “classic, chic, and comfortable,” Garza says, "I'm not very 'trendy'. I live in jeans because they’re just easy, but before I walk out the door I jazz it up. I grab a blazer, a bright lipstick and throw on a pair of thigh high flat boots and instantly I'm the 'cool' mom. The holidays are no different. I just add more jewelry."

With the holiday season and all of its parties upon us, Yanira shares her top tips for staying bien vestida and adding “to-go” flair:

1. Minimize

With everything going on, the last thing you need is to feel overwhelmed by a closet full of clothes. Pull 20 to 30 of your favorite pieces out of your closet -- from dresses to pants to sweaters and tops -- and wear only those pieces for the next 30 days. Not only will dressing be simpler, you’ll also get creative by mixing pieces you never thought you would wear together.

 

2. Comfort doesn't mean conform

Five-inch heels may be a thing of the past for busy moms, but flats should never be boring. Choose a leopard print pair, which match surprisingly well with everything. Consider flat ankle booties too -- they work with skirts and they’re easy to dress up.

3. Get festive

Sparkle is always a hit during the holidays. Spice up your accessories by adding a big cocktail ring, a statement necklace or rhinestone drop earrings, which will work with your dressier wardrobe pieces. But try pairing them with denim too -- you’ll be instantly transformed from frumpy mom to glam mom.

In 2004, Leticia "Letty" Vélez (pictured center) started her transportation company, Chicago Mini Bus Travel, with just 10 buses. Within the first year she had doubled the fleet, bringing in over 2 million dollars in sales. Today it is the largest mini bus company in the Chicago area.

What’s the secret behind her impressive success? Letty’s amazing drive, intense focus and her vision to create a strong management team with a strategic plan for growth would be a solid foundation for any business. However, she credits her dedication to giving back to la comunidad by mentoring and connecting with other Latinas for taking Chicago Mini Bus to the next level.

She told PBS’ To The Contrary: “I think mentoring is key. If I meet someone and I see some type of relationship building there and I see that they have so much knowledge, I need that mentoring. I’m not shy anymore and I ask for assistance because I need that.”

This rare ability to recognize gaps in her own knowledge -- and the even rarer ability to reach out and ask for help -- gives her unique insight into the importance of giving back. She goes on to say: “…as Hispanic women, we’re the backbone of the Hispanic community.... We’re creating the future.”

This veteran businesswoman is a true example of a mujer con la falda bien puesta. Her incredible dedication to philanthropy and involvement in the community paves the way for countless future Latina businesswomen. The rewards for Letty Vélez are innumerable. The bonds she’s forged with her employees, fellow entrepreneurs and her community are priceless.