We’re finally at that beautiful time of year when we’re starting to get ready for the holidays, which we all love, even if they’re a little stressful. But this month also comes with some difficulties. We’re trying to plan things with family and friends, get gifts for all of our loved ones, take care of anything that needs to be wrapped up before the end of the year, and reflect on the last eleven months of our lives.

The holidays are overwhelming, even for those of us who absolutely love them, such as myself. You have to make time for everyone you love, and try to plan your schedule around those of everyone else. Some people are very attached to their traditions, and so are unwilling to do anything new, which can make it even harder to figure out what you’re doing. If you’re away at college, you have the added stress of trying to organize things with your friends from home, all of whom also have a lot going on already.

Preparing for the holiday season is also difficult because you have to try to get gifts for everyone on your list. If you’re anything like me, you’re dedicated to your gift-giving, and you don’t settle for anything less than something you know they’ll love. This can make the season tough because you want so badly to please everyone you have to buy gifts for even though you have $16 in your bank account and five weeks to shop for everyone.

Of course, you also have to worry about yourself right now. Have you had a successful year? Did you meet your resolutions (spoiler alert: you didn’t)? What can you do to make next year better? How do you feel about where you are at this point in your life? Do you have anything important that needs to be done before the end of the year?

For most of us, this self-reflection comes with the realization that we didn’t accomplish nearly as much as we’d hoped to in the last year. We freak out about our lives in general and wonder how in the world we’re going to survive the next year and get our lives together.

All the stress. How are we supposed to enjoy this marvelous season if we’re so busy worrying about everything? Basically, we just have to make ourselves enjoy it. When things start to feel overwhelming, stop and breathe for a minute. Eat a cookie. Don’t think about the calories. Listen to non-Christmas music. Sing along. Dance around all silly. Take a walk. Bundle up. Treat yourself to a holiday beverage at Starbucks. Drink it while you look at Christmas lights. Or while you watch Netflix. Look up recipes you can make to wow your family on Thanksgiving. Look through pictures of things you’ve done with loved ones throughout the year. Read that book you’ve been meaning to read since March.

You don’t have to succumb to the pre-holiday season stress that we will inevitably experience. This season can be fun if we just promise ourselves that it will be, and take steps to ensure that it is. Sure, you’ll still have to plan things, shop and make sure you’re still keeping up with your responsibilities, but taking time for yourself can prevent you from getting burnt out on the holidays before they really start.