It's a wonderful life! Wanna make this not just a ho-hum new year but 12 magnificent months to remember? We aim to please. That's why we're giving you 20 wondrous ways to have the best year ever…

Girls' Life, Dec, 2004 by Sandy Fertman Ryan

15 MAKE THE FIRST MOVE Ooola-la! A hottie has caught your eye? Dying to get to know him outside of Dreamland? So do something about it! We're not telling you to make a fool of yourself--just get noticed by looking him square in the eye and smiling. If he doesn't get the hint and you're feeling really brave, have a friend discreetly find out if he likes you. You can't win if you're not in the race. So take a chance on romance!

16 YOU SNOOZE, YOU WIN Maybe the thought of sleeping makes you want to yawn. But if you don't get enough Z's, you'll be less alert and more likely to get sick. Not exactly a prescription for the best year ever. Snooze lots this year so you'll be awake and healthy enough to enjoy it!

17 ADOPT-A-MISFIT Everybody knows somebody who doesn't quite fit in. It could be a new kid, nerdy kid, bashful kid, whatever. Well, throw down the gauntlet and befriend someone who feels like an all-time outcast. No, we're not talking about giving her a Princess Diaries makeover. Just put yourself in her shoes and feel your sense of compassion grow. She'll feel better when she realizes someone cares, and you can hold your head high knowing you helped ... your new friend.

18 SURRENDER THE STRESS You're a teen. What's stressful about that? Uh, virtually everything! School probs, friend probs, boy probs, parent probs! Yikes! If you can de-stress a little each day, you'll have clear skies through next December. Turn on some music, and sit quietly with your eyes closed for about 10 minutes daily to clear away some cobwebs.

19 LOVE THY 'RENTS! Eeew. OK, maybe that's your first reaction, but ya gotta admit: A lot of days pass when you don't even know they exist. Take the time to appreciate the good moments you experience with your family--whether it's a holiday dinner, sledding together or just watching DVDs. Of course, sometimes you won't be able to imagine they're anything but rotten, but remembering that they love you will smooth out the rough patches.

20 EXPECT THE BEST Sometimes, you can't help but be disappointed when things don't work out your way. When that happens, keep hope alive by continuing to expect the best--even if it doesn't pan out. Put a stop to the pre-worry, thinking, "Nothing good ever happens to me!" or, "It'll never work out!" When you wake up each a.m., make a firm decision to have a good day. Even if it's raining pitchforks and hammer handles.