The month of December pulls on families more than any other month of the year. Statistics show that families are over-planned and more on edge with one another during this stressful time of year. Gatherings with friends, work parties, school holiday performances, and a host of other commitments can become burdensome. Somewhere in there parents are also supposed to find time alone to purchase gifts, and families are supposed to gather and get along. How can we still find cheer during the holiday season in the midst of the constant pressure?

1. Set boundaries: Don’t try to do everything. Though many functions and activities are good, if they pull you away from time with family or  are over-burdening to you, select only to participate in the most important activities.
2. Get adequate sleep: Stress and lack of sleep often peak in December for many. Ensuring you can get at least 8 hours of sleep each night will help combat stress, maintain a healthy immune system, and keep you in a better mood. A less-stressful, healthy, and happy person is much more fun to be with during the holidays than a stressed, ill, and ornery one.
3. Look for the best in others: Spending so much time with family, friends, and co-workers during the stress of the holidays can bring out the worst in people. You may get irritated with others faults. Everyone has faults. Focusing on them will only make you enjoy the time less. The holidays should be a time to try to look past those faults and extend love and friendship to those around us. We all know people that seem to get along with everyone. I like to be around these types of people. Try to be one, and everyone will want to be around you.
4. Give the gift of time: What better gift can one received from a loved one than quality time together? Toys and electronic gadgets lose appeal over time, but memories last forever. Give your loved ones your time and create memories together.