That most "wonderful" time of the year has once again descended upon us. It's chock-full of sparkling parties, countless family get-togethers, and grueling, non-stop schedules of errands, obligations, and shopping expeditions. The modern holidays have morphed into a blur of stress, deadlines, and blood-pressure-raising expectations that make even the most gregarious elf say "bah humbug."

This year, consider getting a head start on an inevitable 2007 New Year's Resolution — de-stressing your life — by investing in a luxurious home spa, sauna, or indoor pool that will reap health benefits for years to come. And a bonus feature of the home spa experience? It provides year-round relaxation the whole family can enjoy — together!  

The variety of heat-related luxury products on the market is impressive — they range from state-of-the-art spas with features that rival your massage therapist's techniques, to elaborate saunas to help melt away fatigue, to indoor lap pools built for exercise and leisure. Once you've decided what type of product you want and the functions you want it to perform, you're sure to find the perfect solution to satisfy your hectic lifestyle — and be an asset to your surroundings. 

It wasn't too many years ago that the standard, no-frills hot tub reigned supreme as the most popular home spa option; typically, it was the centerpiece for late-night parties or star-gazing on a cold winter night. Now, fast forward to today's sophisticated spas. They can feature customizable hydrotherapy for help with pain management, audio sound systems, and high-tech filtering systems to reduce maintenance. They're workhorses, and just like the home gym, are usually purchased to enhance a homeowner's relaxation agenda. 

The granddaddy of home spas, Jacuzzi, actually sparked the industry 50 years ago with a seemingly small invention. The original Jacuzzi pump was created when one of the Jacuzzi brothers needed critical at-home hydrotherapy benefits for a sick family member.  Thus, a craze was born, giving gadget-hungry American consumers yet one more choice for wellness and leisure.

Anthony Pasqaurelli of Jacuzzi says that while researchers have observed the healing effects of hydrotherapy, no scientific data is needed to verify the intrinsic benefits of a home spa. "The instinctive comfort of settling into jet-driven water, the way stress seems to release itself into the steam, and the spring in your step after a hydrotherapeutic session in a hot tub is obvious," he says.

Marquis Spas also offers a distinct collection of four products with a wide range of amenities. Dual-speed pumps deliver 320 gallons of delicious hydrotherapy per minute for the ultimate massage. Remote controls allow you to be the commander of music, lights and jets. Best of all, you can mix and match colors to accent your décor.

Residential saunas are a newer entry into American homes. Known for its restorative powers in increasing metabolism and improving blood circulation, the sauna provides an answer to both mental and physical fatigue, and is the perfect companion to today's home gym. The myriad products available prove that health, relaxation and design can co-exist in a sauna to satisfy discriminating buyers. One brand of home saunas available to consumers is the Finnleo Sauna — and it remains true to the ancient traditions of sauna and steam bathing. With its European styling, Finnleo offers a striking balance between function and design.

Keith Raisanen, president of Finnleo Spas, headquartered outside Minneapolis, says his company has been polling customers for more than 20 years on why they purchase home saunas. "The three most popular responses are: relaxation and stress reduction; complement to a personal wellness or fitness program; and that they sleep better following a sauna experience," Raisanen says.

Finnelo product development has consistently provided a product that performs to exceed customer expectations, plus simultaneously incorporating European design to blend in with other amenities in upscale homes, he adds. "Curved glass, curved wood, low-voltage lighting systems, digital control systems, and hand-selected sauna wood imported from Scandinavia, the Ivory Coast and Canada all combine to meet the requirements of discerning buyers."

Rick Pettit, owner of Backyard Living in Overland Park, is the exclusive local distributor of both the Finnleo and Marquis lines, and also carries Jacuzzi. He agrees with Raisanen on why Kansas City consumers love sauna bathing. "It helps you look better, feel better and definitely sleep better," Pettit says.

Another entry into the growing home sauna trend is KeysBackyard Infrared Sauna. It offers angled design and clean, contemporary styling to fit today's interiors. In addition, buyers can select from a personal, one-person sauna or a two-, three-, or four-person model. The company also produces a line of home spas, available at local Home Depot stores.

Indoor pools are a terrific way to combine restorative exercise and leisure. HydroWorx has long been a provider of state-of-the-art pools to elite sports teams, clinics and hospitals around the country.  It now offers several sleek designs for the home in the L-Series, an indoor pool that is a complete package of resistance swim-in-place jets, massage system, variable speed underwater treadmill, bench seating, and other standard features.

Another indoor pool option is the Endless Pool, often referred to as a "treadmill for swimmers." Petite in size — measuring 8' x 15' — the Endless Pool can be installed in existing spaces in the home, doesnít require integrated household plumbing, and employs a special copper and silver purification system to reduce the need for chlorine. The broad, deep swim current is completely adjustable in speed, allowing for a trickle or a racer's pace. This pool would be a logical choice for families who have developed an exercise plan for each member.

Creating your own haven in which to let the burdens of the day float away, exercise sore muscles, and enhance metabolism, blood circulation and overall health is a return-on-investment gift for yourself and your family. You'll be guaranteed years of enjoyment — and a way to practically and appropriately relieve stress and tension.