Make this year’s holiday season a stress-free one. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Go with the flow.

Even the most detailed plans can be subjected to changes that are out of your control. If you can go with the flow and be open to changes you’ll be less inclined to feel stressed when everything doesn’t go according to plan.

2. Don’t lose your temper.

It’s pretty much inevitable when you’re in a large group of people that there will be disagreements. Don’t get sucked in to arguments between your relatives and you’ll find that family get-togethers are much more enjoyable.

3. Ask for help.

Having too much to do is a given over the holiday season. From baking to shopping to planning parties and decorating, it can all be pretty overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or delegate tasks to other family members.

4. Shop early.

Getting your Christmas shopping done early is one of the best ways to relieve holiday stress. You won’t have to deal with the crowds of last minute shoppers or worry that the perfect gift is out of stock when you get to the store.

The holiday season should be a time of joy and sharing with friends and family. Use these tips to make yours as stress-free as possible.

(originally published August 5th, 2010)

Christmas shopping can be an experience that brings even the most hardened shopper to their knees. Trying to find the perfect gift, braving the malls and the crowds, and coping with the added expenses make this an extremely stressful time for many people.

There are, however, ways to minimize the stress and make the Christmas shopping experience more enjoyable. Here are a few tips you can use to beat the holiday stress:

1. Make a list and a budget. In these tough economic times a budget is even more of a necessity. By making a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for and how much you want to spend on them you’ll be in a better position to avoid the stress of unexpected expenses. Don’t forget to budget for the wrapping paper, bows and tags as well.

2. Start early. Getting all the shopping out of the way before the mad rush is the best way to beat holiday stress. While you may miss a holiday sale or two, you’ll avoid having to fight the crowds and the stress that goes along with them.

3. Shop online. Of course, as an affiliate for amazon.com I’m biased when it comes to online shopping, but it is a very convenient way to avoid the stress of the mall at Christmas time. It’s an easy way to comparison shop as well without running from store to store, and many big retail chains now offer the convenience of ordering online and picking up in-store.

4. Plan your trips. If you do have to, or want to, venture into the stores plan your trips so that you can get in and quickly get what you need. This is another way that making a list can help ease your Christmas shopping stress. If you know exactly what you’re getting for each person on your list, it will make your trip to the mall go that much more smoothly.

5. Practice safe shopping. It goes without saying that you should practice safe shopping habits regardless of where you shop. Most large online retailers now have safeguards in place to keep your information private, but it pays to do your own due diligence before handing over your credit card information.

Above all, enjoy yourself! Christmas shopping is a stressful experience, but it can also be a lot of fun. All it takes is a little planning, and you’ll soon have the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

Here are a few gift ideas for the big kids. Some of these are even on my list! :)

(originally posted 11/16/09)