How to Have a Stress-Free Holiday Season

The holiday season is a hectic time of year that's filled with celebrations and time-consuming tasks like shopping, baking and decorating. A little planning will help ease the stress you feel this holiday season, leaving you more relaxed to enjoy celebrating with friends and family.

Instructions

1. Get together with family and plan gatherings so everyone spends time together, even if it's not on the actual holiday. Take advantage of the fact that it's a season and spread the family gatherings out.

2. Bake in advance and freeze your goodies. Freeze them in color-coded containers so you know what's inside; or, if you're attending multiple gatherings, use color-coded containers for each get-together. That way you can just grab them and go.

3. Purchase your gifts throughout the year and store them in rubber storage containers with solid-fitting lids. Picking up items throughout the year makes holiday shopping less of a chore, and helps you avoid overspending.

4. Do away with individual gifts for anyone outside your immediate family. Instead, make a small donation to a charity of your choice in the name of the family. Indicate you've made the donation in your holiday card. It's easier, less expensive and beneficial to far more people.

5. Reserve a community center building for your family gatherings, and instead of cooking a huge meal, ask each family to bring items to share. That way you don't have to spend days cleaning your house and spend a tremendous amount of money to feed the masses.

6. Take time to yourself when you need it, and get enough rest and exercise. It rejuvenates you and makes you a better partner and parent.

7. Remember the reason why you're celebrating. Attend church services and take joy in the greatest gift of the holiday season.