Plan ahead to avoid stress during the holidays

The holidays don't have to be stressful. Still, they often bring financial worries and family-related anxieties. Here are tips to help consumers deal with holiday anxiety.

•Plan ahead. Decide when, where and with whom the family is going to celebrate the holidays.

"Making your holiday plans well ahead of time sets others' expectations and ensures that there are no misunderstandings among family members," said author and mind/body expert Loretta LaRoche. "Put your efforts into celebrating rather than making matters worse. It will lift your spirits rather than drain your energy."

In addition to easing lastminute stress, booking travel in advance allows one to lock in preferred travel dates and reduced rates for airfare and lodging.

•Consider accommodations. Family related tensions may contribute to holiday stress, especially when there is too much family in too little space. Consider staying in a temporary furnished apartment rather than a hotel. Furnished apartments contain "homey" comforts such as separate bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and fully equipped kitchens. They're often available at comparable or lower prices than individual hotel rooms. Also, many of these apartments offer reduced rates with reduced minimumstay requirements throughout fall and winter.

•Build a better budget. Make a list of gifts and the people to buy for and budget wisely.

"You may want to explore the gift of shared experiences. Take a significant other, family member or friend to a movie and dinner, museum or play. It builds on memories, the gift that keeps on giving," said LaRoche.

Try to anticipate unexpected holiday expenses that have a pesky tendency to "pop up." For example, will the office likely plan a gift exchange? Will friends go out for a nice holiday meal?

•Take time. To avoid burnout, budget time wisely. Schedule holiday shopping excursions around work and other responsibilities and avoid waiting until the last minute. If needed, take a day off from work to shop. Include having fun. Holidays are not supposed to be stress rehearsals.

•Don't be afraid to say no. "If your social calendar is already crowded with get-togethers, don't feel guilty saying 'no,'" said LaRoche. "The holidays are supposed to be a time of fun and togetherness. If you're too stressed out to relax at a social get-together, then stay home- this will help you re-energize to enjoy the next holiday event."

•Take care of yourself. Many people tend to overindulge on food and alcohol during the holidays and often skip their normal exercise routine.

"Make a concerted effort to avoid fattening hors d'oeuvres and caloric cocktails at parties," said LaRoche. "You can taste everything- just don't eat the whole thing. If you prioritize, your workout routine doesn't have to fall by the wayside."

•Enlist help. Ask children to help in the kitchen or put them on gift-wrapping duty.

•Get real. Don't try to live up to the movie-perfect vision of the holiday season. The house does not have to be spotless, and one doesn't have to prepare the perfect feast. Buy pre-made holiday cookies and side dishes to relieve stress.

"No one will erect a monument to you because of how perfect you were, but they will remember how much joy you brought them," said LaRoche.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.