by Danielle Reid

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: December 08, 2008

The holidays are upon us once again, as evidenced by any store one walks into these days. If a person is unready for the upcoming onslaught of seasonal happenings, it can all seem overwhelming. You may feel rushed to get everything accomplished...decorating, baking, preparing for familial gatherings, shopping. Stress is always hanging over our heads during this time, waiting to strike, but you can keep it at bay. Just take some time to sit down, breathe, and plan.

Preparation is an important aspect of maintaining a relaxing level of holiday enjoyment. Procrastination is a natural part of life, and yet it can wreak havoc on those who practice it. If you set realistic goals for yourself and your family from the beginning, it will help to move things along more smoothly. Know what you want to accomplish in terms of spending, baking and entertaining. Make note of these things and, whenever possible, don't veer from your initial decision, but be ready to accept necessary changes that you may not have factored in.

No matter what, prevent overextending yourself. It's okay to say no. Don't be afraid, either, to enlist the aid of others who may be facing some time crunch issues during the season. At the end of the day, if you aren't taking proper care of yourself, it will affect those you love, also. Your holiday enjoyment starts with you, and if you're mentally prepared to follow your personal goals and guidelines, you'll go a long way in fending off the madness of the season.

When it comes right down to it, the holidays are about family, friends, and togetherness. Essentially, there isn't anything else you need to worry about. Look back over the years and determine where things may have gone wrong. Was it too much spending, too little time? Perhaps this year, you could try a completely new approach to avoid any likely pitfalls. Involve your family in your mental preparation and goal setting exercise. Spend a cozy night at home, discussing what each person wants to accomplish or hopes will happen. In this way, not only will you be spending some much needed quality time with them, you will also be ensuring that the holidays will be as meaningful to them as it is to you.

As the season progresses, keep your mental and physical health always in mind. Take moments here and there for yourself, relax with something you enjoy and regroup. Holidays are not meant to be stressed over. They are to be savored and looked back on with fondness. If you begin the season with a positive outlook and a workable and realistic plan, you'll be able to do just that.

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