Tips for a Stress-free Holiday Season

You can thrive, not just survive, and create a wonderful holiday season this year. You just need to do four things:

• keep your expectations rational,
• take care of yourself,
• take control of your time and limit your commitments, and
• embrace your family and friends.

These tips will help you reduce stress, relax, and breeze through the holiday season feeling grounded and in control.

Keep Your Holiday Season Expectations Rational

The most important contributors to a happy holiday season are the expectations you create in your own mind about the holidays. You can't make them perfect - people get sick, recipes don't always turn out as expected, and family members don't always get along.

Coworkers aren't always kind to each other and the new work program you introduced is not going to make everyone happy.

You'll be healthier and happier if you keep your expectations reasonable.

You don't have to have the perfect party, perfectly behaved children, or the most beautifully decorated home. Give yourself a break. You'll be happy you did.