The season of Christmas could easily be considered the most stressful and the most rewarding of the year. There are family dinners, parties, gifts, flights, weather, travel, even meeting family members we have not seen in years; and with all of this running through our mind all at once, how are we suppose to stay completely sane?

The answer, I am afraid to say, is not a simple sentence that will magically make the entire holiday stress disappear. It is rather a series of steps and ideas that truly make the holidays a special time to remember.

Step 1 - Remember Why You're There

It's very easy to forget the "holiday spirit" and be taken by the "shopping spirit." There is a valid side to the shopping and store hunting but it can't overrule the entire holiday. Time spent with family is one of the most rewarding and most remembered part of the holiday season.

There is always the one family member that does not agree with you in almost every single thing that comes out of your mouth or a couple of relatives that have arguments and problems who choose to revisit and potentially ruin a family dinner. Interesting enough how at 11:59 p.m. on December 24, everything is forgotten and hugs and kisses take over the arguments.

Life is short, and family is a privilege... don't lose it.

Step 2 - Keep A Smile, No Matter What

Stress will occur during this holiday season — and what better way to welcome stress than with a smile! Stress and happiness are passed on by how we express ourselves. When someone gets mad at us for something we quickly get on a defensive side and begin to start an argument and the fight never ends. Now if we present a smile in all situations, the anger is cut off immediately and you even change the expression of the person approaching you.

It is very important to have a constant peaceful state of mind since the holidays and all of its baggage can be a lot but is totally worth the reward.

Step 3 - Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help

With all the Christmas time offers, we seem responsible for making sure that everyone leaves your house feeling amazing and we put all that responsibility on our shoulders rather than doing the simple thing: ask for help!

Remember not to over stress yourself and to simply ask for assistance to whoever you trust the most.

Just enjoy your holiday and truly appreciate what you have in life, because whatever life you have now is priceless in its own way.

- The Author