Have a Stress Free Holiday Season

The holidays are officially here and the season for giving begins. It’s a wonderful time of year, but with all the activities, excitement and family obligations taking place at once, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed and even a tad bit gloomy. Here are 8 simple steps to relax, let go and really enjoy a truly happy holiday!

Steps

 * 1) Focus on your connections. This holiday, reflect on the meaning and closeness of your relationships. It’s not the amount of money you spend, but how much love and joy you share that will create the quality of the season. The beautifully wrapped presents and bows are far less important than the people in your life.[[Image:Have a Stress Free Holiday Season Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2) Entertaining? Make a time line and list.  Being organized and prepared will save you from a lot of stress hormones.  Prioritize and delegate tasks when you can. Enlist the help of professionals if need be (cleaning? catering?).[[Image:Have a Stress Free Holiday Season Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 3) Keep it simple. The food doesn't have to be fancy and you don't have to spend a small fortune on decorations.  A fire in the fireplace can set the mood and fresh flowers or greens are beautiful anywhere in the house. The people make the party.[[Image:Have a Stress Free Holiday Season Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 4) Involve the whole family in your holiday planning and preparation. Children love to be a part of the process.  Let them help with frosting cookies, making place cards, decorating your home or holiday table. Let go of perfection and have fun![[Image:Have a Stress Free Holiday Season Step 4.jpg|center]]
 * 5) Get plenty of sleep and eat healthy foods. Sleep may seem like an indulgence this time of year, but it is essential to good health and a positive holiday outlook. Rest, slow-down and take time to reflect. There will be plenty of treats and sweets - eat healthy meals to counteract the unhealthy choices.[[Image:Have a Stress Free Holiday Season Step 5.jpg|center]]
 * 6) Let go and go with the flow. If you're overwhelmed, imagine what would happen if you didn't do "it". What is the worst case scenario?  Not sending your holiday cards on time probably won’t matter in the long run.[[Image:Have a Stress Free Holiday Season Step 6.jpg|center]]
 * 7) Give out of joy vs. obligation. Don't stress your budget. Be creative and come from your heart. It makes the gift much more meaningful.[[Image:Have a Stress Free Holiday Season Step 7.jpg|center]]
 * 8) Perform a small act of kindness without expecting anything in return. A smile will spread some holiday cheer.[[Image:Have a Stress Free Holiday Season Step 8.jpg|center]]

Tips

 * Be kind to yourself: Buy fresh flowers. Soak your feet. Valet park the car. Have your groceries delivered. Take a long walk. Sleep in. Watch the sunset. Enjoy a bubble bath (or a good cigar). Listen to beautiful music. Love yourself and others, then, enjoy the most fabulous holiday season of all times!

Warnings

 * If you don't you just might end up nicknamed, "Scrooge!" If this happens go immediately to www.shesite.com for quick happiness tips that will make you feel a whole lot better!

Related wikiHows

 * Get Into the Spirit of Christmas
 * Be Full of Christmas Spirit
 * Help Others on Christmas
 * Celebrate Christmas
 * Decorate for Christmas
 * Send Christmas Cards Without Stress