Don’t sweat holiday season small stuff

Budget, budget, budget. We often think we have to buy everything on a loved one’s list or something for everybody in our friend group or from the office. Minimize what you buy. Consider writing notes about how much you appreciate each person or giving homemade baked goods. Truly heartfelt gifts don’t have to come from a store.

Family — we can't live with them and can't live without them. But seriously, the holidays are the time everybody comes together. It's OK to talk about things that we're not going talk about at gatherings and set guardrails around how much alcohol is served to minimize stress and calm concerns Uncle Tom might say something inappropriate, or Aunt Mabel may fall asleep in the gravy — again. Talk about potential stress points in advance and decide who's invited, what topics can be discussed, and what the plan will be if things start going awry.

Just say no. It’s OK to say you can’t bring six dozen fresh-baked cookies to the party in three hours, host a family of five in your two-bedroom home, or chip in on a gift for someone you didn’t plan to give something. The holidays are the time of year to be joyful, and you’re allowed to experience that joy as much as the next person. Say no, set boundaries, and take some time for yourself — consider it a gift from you to you.

The holidays can include lots of alcohol and food, leaving us feeling bloated, fatigued and, occasionally, hungover. We have to be willing to set limits for ourselves. No matter what anyone says, it's OK not to eat everything on the table, have an extra dessert or continuously allow your wine glass to be refilled. Like teens, adults can also apply peer pressure, but you don’t have to give in to it. Aim for moderation and say “No, thank you” when needed.