WHAT TO DO Handling holiday stress

Know your spending limit. Not only is it stressful to feel that you have to buy everyone an expensive gift, but you'll be stressed in the next year trying to pay off your bills. You can show love and caring by getting a less expensive gift you know is meaningful for the recipient.
Tell your children to be realistic. It's all right to tell a child a certain toy is too expensive and that even Santa Claus has to choose what to give because of his long list and limited funds. Children must learn that their wish is not someone's command and to curb their desires for instant gratification.
If you're not enthusiastic about the holidays, don't try to be what you're not. Keep up your normal routine. Don't feel you have to put your life on pause or totally rearrange your schedule because of the holidays.
If you feel overloaded with holiday festivities, don't feel obligated to watch every Christmas special or accept every party invitation.
If you're feeling out of sorts because of stressors, such as a death in the family or a recent romantic breakup, ask the people around you to understand if you decline to participate in an activity.
Traveling can be stressful and difficult if you're staying with family members you don't get along with. But if they live in the same locale, you can more easily go home at will. If you do get along, you won't view holiday visits as an obligation, but as an opportunity to spend time with family members.
If you have bad feelings about someone, try to avoid him or her and not make an issue of it, but don't pretend that all is well. This will enable you to feel true to yourself and less stressed out.