Holiday time is rife with "stuff." Not just real "stuff" as in gifts, but the bigger "stuff"--all the mega-emotional feelings that inevitably ensue when we get together with family: expectations, disappointments, ambivalence, excitement, stress, depression, joy, revulsion--you name it. It seems like every year the stories get more and more involved about how people feel totally overwhelmed well before the holidays even begin, given the amount of cooking, shopping, planning, and traveling they have to do. Add that to the everyday stresses of life, and when the actual holiday hits it's no wonder people end up feeling like a heap of cranky, worthless goop.

I say it's time to minimize the stress and craziness that threatens to latch on to you like a sticky burr. Let's start now. Take a deep breath (five seconds in, five seconds out) to reduce your racing pulse and get ready to take back the holidays!

1. Put it in perspective. Sure, you may feel like you're going to be a big fat failure if you don’t bake everyone's favorite cookies, decorate your house like Martha Stewart, buy perfect one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone, and show up with just-right hair and makeup--not to mention a knock-out outfit. But really, is it the end of the world if you don't? Focus instead on the good things in your life: your loving family, your health, your job, etc. These are the important things that last well beyond a few days of holiday hysteria.
2. Remember to laugh. Laughter is good for the immune system. It reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, and dopamine. It also increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins and the number of antibody-producing cells. So, find some humor and smile!
3. Cut back on the booze. It's easy and tempting to down one too many when family tensions get to be a bit much, but it's not a good idea. Too much alcohol can loosen inhibitions to the point of fueling the fire, not to mention tempting you to overeat. Better to sip slowly to make it last--and after one or two drinks, switch to sparkling water dressed up with lemon or lime and a splash of cranberry juice.
4. Keep your healthy habits. Resist the temptation to use the holidays for permission to have a free-for-all. In the short-term, it may feel good, but in the long-term it'll hurt your health and energy level; and on top of that, feelings of guilt and regret. Make time in your schedule for a trip to the gym or a walk outside (even three 10-minute intervals scattered throughout the day add up); make sure you get a minimum of 7-8 hours of shut-eye; don't go overboard on sweets and rich fattening foods. Your mood and energy depend on it!
5. Eat ahead. Sure, there will be food at the gathering, so why do you need more? Make yourself a healthy, filling snack, advises Gayl Canfield, director of nutrition at Pritikin Wellness Center & Spa in Miami, Florida. "Nonfat yogurt and a banana or a bowl of hearty soup will curb your appetite, which means you're less prone to plow your way through the buffet table,” she says.

Wishing you very happy and joyous holidays filled with continued first-class health!

Sheryl Kraft is Health & Wellness Editor at EndlessBeauty.com