Holiday stress and how to beat it

While some types of stress are worse than others, any of them can affect you and your holidays, according to Jeane Lee of the university Counseling Center.

Lee cited several things that can cause holiday stress:

• Blowing your diet during the holidays. Don't let yourself eat whatever you want just because the holidays are approaching. Stick to your regular diet until the actual holiday, then let your guard down. For instance, on Thanksgiving day eat whatever you want. The day after, gradually return to your diet by allowing yourself a few leftovers, then limit yourself a little more each day.
• Finding time to shop. You can solve this problem by starting early. Don't wait until the last minute. If you see something in September for your sister, buy it and save it until Christmas. If you shop like this all year round, you should have most of your preparations done before the holidays arrive.
• Telling your children they can't have everything they want. Make sure your children know the real meaning of Christmas. Explain to them that the number of presents they receive is not what Christmas is all about. Then ask your children to pick the one thing on their wish list they want most for Christmas.
• Loneliness. People don't like to be alone during the holidays. To prevent loneliness, plan a festive dinner and invite others who would be alone during the holidays. You could even go and buy a Christmas tree together.