1. Plan a plan. List everything you need to do during the holiday season, to which parties you’ll be invited and how much money you’ll spend. Cross off the least important, least necessary and least desirable events and tasks. Then review the list, and if you haven't reached your predetermined reduction, go through it again.
Once you've decided what items are important, plan how you’ll say "no" to all the others so you’re not caught off guard.
2. Ask for help. Enlist your family and divvy up tasks. Don’t expect perfection from yourself or your family. Remember, you probably don’t notice or mind the imperfections in others’ holiday gatherings. They are just as unlikely to notice any in yours.
3. There is no place like home. Allow children to spend the day they open their gifts at home. It’s hardly fair and often stressful for children to leave their gifts behind that they’ve waited so patiently to open. Plan family get-togethers either on Christmas Eve or the weekends before or after the holiday.
4. Keep healthy and energized. Enjoy holiday treats in moderation. High-fat and sugary foods and the lack of healthy meals can lead to tiredness and stress. Keep goodies stored in the freezer where they’ll be less of a temptation. Keep healthy snacks such as raw vegetables and nuts on-hand. Get plenty of exercise such as a brisk walk in the fresh air, and set aside time for relaxation, like a long bubble bath.
5. Simplify gift-giving. Decide with whom it’s necessary or important to exchange gifts. Talk to extended family, friends, co-workers and others about forgoing the gift exchange. You'll likely learn they feel the same as you do.
Hard-to-shop-for recipients will appreciate something practical. Certificates to restaurants, shops, activities or events make great gifts.