As Christmas nears, tensions starts to rise because you still need to shop, but there's a lack of time to shop, the kids are on break and crying they're bored, and now it has snowed, so no one knows how to drive. And then there's always that inadvertent Christmas Jerk who just adds that little charm to your day. Oy! Sometimes you question Andy Williams, why isit the most wonderful time of the year?

So what's the best way to enjoy the holidays?

1. Online Shop

Skip those lines, pushy people, and adding stress to those employees. Stay at home in your pajamas, sipping coffee (or something stronger, I don't judge) and check off "shopping for loved ones." However, if you do have to go to the store...

2. Be Polite!

Honestly, this will be hard because everyone else will be rushed and be complete jerks. But if you let others pass before you, may feel a smidgen of guilt. Flash a smile once in awhile to other shoppers, and please, oh please, be nice to those who are helping you, whether they are a sales representative, waiter, or bartender. They're all helping you get what you need for the holiday while they also try to make enough money to enjoy the holiday. Remember no one is better than anyone else -- we are all equal.

3. USE YOUR BLINKER!

Alright, it's snowing and there's ice everywhere. What's the most annoying thing ever? Slamming on your brakes and fishtailing across the lane, making it dangerous for you and everyone else on the road, because the person in front of you didn't give you enough warning that they were going to turn. When you're reckless on the road, especially during the winter, you put a lot of lives at stake and could possibly ruin someone else's holiday.

4. Judging

It is so easy during this time, to be judge or judge people, especially your family, but don't be a judging judger. Sometimes you can't help but slip up and inadvertently judge someone, but the worst type is judging someone for either judging or not holding your beliefs. Don't condemn people. They slip up and so do you, it's the holidays, take them aside and explain how you really feel. This is the time to fill the air with love and cheer.

5. Have Fun

"Shake up the happiness, wake up the happiness, shake up the happiness, it's Christmas time." --Train, "Shake Up Christmas"

Get outside. Dance in the snow, even if it is for 30 seconds. Go appreciate the beauty. Dance to Christmas music. Sing at the top of your lungs. Bake cookies. Sit in front of a fire (or in my case, a heater) and read a book. Watch a movie. Just be happy. I get to spend Christmas alone for the first time and I'm doing everything I can to stay happy because this is the most wonderful time of the year.