Christmas is supposed to be a season of cheer and goodwill. More often than not, it is an endless marathon of shopping, parties, church and school programs, and errands. It only takes one look at the December calendar to feel the stress level rise. Take steps now to minimize holiday stress so you can enjoy the season, not dread it. Here’s how:

• Decide it is okay to say “no” to some things. If your calendar stretches before you without any evenings at home, you are doing too much. Make necessary adjustments to provide some down time for your family.

• Don’t have unrealistic expectations. It would be nice to have the house decorated, tins of homemade cookies baked, all the gifts purchased and wrapped, the Christmas cards mailed, and be ten pounds thinner by December 3, but is that even a remote possibility? Expecting perfection is a certain path to discouragement and disillusionment. Be satisfied with what is “do-able” for you and don’t compare yourself to others.

• Is it necessary to give a gift to everyone on your list? Chances are, those you have been exchanging obligatory gifts with for years would be happy to opt for a leisurely visit over coffee after the holiday rush. Be honest and suggest a get-together or act of service instead.

• Plan ahead. Start thinking of easy gift ideas in the fall and begin purchasing supplies early. Designate a location in your house, maybe a closet or cabinet, to store Christmas gifts and wrapping paper.

• Enlist help from every member of the family. Don’t feel it can’t be done right unless you do it yourself. It won’t really matter if the wrapping paper is crooked, a bow looks a little sideways, or the nametag is smeared. Allowing children to help can provide family fun and get the job done in half the time. Crank up the Christmas music and enjoy.

• Resist the temptation to plunge your budget into financial chaos. Avoid credit card purchasing if at all possible. Getting swept up in a buying frenzy leads to financial frustration in the New Year.

• Make time for things you really enjoy doing as a family. Pop popcorn, rent a fun Christmas movie, and cuddle up together by the fire. Go caroling at a nursing home or visit an elderly friend. If you are a musical family, pull out the instruments for an evening of playing and singing.

• Keep exercising despite increased schedule demands. Skipping your usual workout leads to less energy and weight gain. Even with the best intentions, most of us eat more during the holidays. Twenty minutes of vigorous walking a day reduces stress and helps you sleep better.

• Have an Advent wreath or time of Christmas devotions. At least once a week, preferably more, join together as a family for a meal and time of meditation and prayer. Allow each member of the family to have a part – one lighting candles, another reading scripture, and someone else leading in prayer or song.

• Take time for yourself. Claim a quiet moment early in the morning or during the day to sit down with a cup of hot tea and an inspirational Christmas book or poem. Spend time in prayer and thanksgiving for God’s greatest gift of all, Jesus.