No matter what holiday you're celebrating this season, it tends to become very hectic and even over-whelming to some.
Here are some strategies for remaining stress-free and able to enjoy the best of the holiday season.

1. Focus on the feeling of the season.
   For most of us, this time of year is associated with good will and cheer.
   Instead of bustling through the mall, take time to greet others with a smile and season greetings.
   Tapping into that feeling, both giving and receiving, will help you slow down and actually enjoy the process.
   
2. Share as many of the preparation as possible with your family, especially the kids.
   Very often we try to make the holiday a special enchanted time for our kids, taking on most of the burden of decorating, shopping, cooking and cleanup.
   This is fine when they are toddlers.
   However, around 5 or 6 years old, start including them in the preparations as well.
   They will soon understand that the holiday is about sharing and building life-long memories.
   The presents then become the icing on the cake and not the cake.
   
3. Figure out what it would take for you to arrive at Christmas morning or night totally calm and relaxed.
   Depending on your family, network and support group, share responsibilities with others.
   For example, if you go to the store and pick up some of your neighbor's gifts, she'll stay home and make cookies for both of you.
   If you're hosting the holiday meal, ask others to bring something specific.
   Allow others to share in the fun of giving.
   Don't hog it all yourself!
4. Listen to holiday music.
   This is especially true if you celebrate Christmas.
   By listening to the large array of Christmas and holiday songs published over the years by our favorite artists, we begin to focus on the joy of the season and not on the chores of the season.
   This could (oops, I almost said "should"!) be an enjoyable time of year for everyone.
   
5. Don't forget the underlying religious experience that is the reason for the holiday.
   Reconnect to the spiritual and cultural meaning of the holiday.
   Try to remember and keep in mind the deeper significance of the holiday while you do every step of the preparation.
   

I hope you'll try a few of these tips this season.
May you have the best holiday ever!