The holidays are intended to be a joyful way to close out the year with family, friends and celebration. Full of upbeat Christmas music, gift giving and receiving, decorations, delicious treats and a newfound hope for a fresh start, it seems as though the holidays should bring nothing but pure happiness. Often times, however, the Christmas season is rampant with stress, responsibility and over-commitment, leading to fatigue and an Ebenezer Scrooge kind of mood. It’s important to prepare for this time of the year and be intentional with your actions, so that you can genuinely enjoy and rejoice in all of the magical and wonderful components that the holidays have to offer.

Five simple steps to the best holiday season are as follows:

1. Decorate! Take part in the tradition of putting up lights and buying a tree. Pick a day just for this, and invite family and friends over to participate. It’s nearly impossible to feel the Christmas spirit if you aren’t coming home to a house smelling of pine and twinkly lights on your front porch.
2. Make a budget. In early November, before the hustle and bustle of the holidays begin, write out a specific budget that allows you to have the greatest freedom and security in your spending. Keeping track of your money will give you a sense of control and leave you feeling confident at the end of the shopping season, knowing that you spent your money wisely and consciously.
3. It’s so easy to get caught up in craziness of Christmas, to get excited about receiving gifts, indulging in loads of food, and shopping ‘till you drop. Sacrificing your time to remember those in your community and city will surely increase your Christmas joy tenfold! Doing this will allow you to reflect on the true meaning of the season and shift your attention from yourself to others, leaving you with a wonderful sense of satisfaction and gratitude.
4. Don’t overdo it. If you are hosting this year’s festivities, be humble in allowing friends and family to contribute. Allow a day for preparation and cleaning. Only cook your favorite dishes, and settle on purchasing the rest pre-made. No one will notice. Also, plan out your schedule, be straightforward about your commitments, and allow to “me” time to rest and rejuvenate.
5. Take care of your body. One of the best things about Christmas is the baked goodies, creamy appetizers, and delicious cocktails. In moderation, all of these things add tremendously to the spirit of the season, but when consumed in large quantities, our bodies do not thank us and we are often left feeling groggy, bloated, uncomfortable and frustrated. Make conscious dietary choices and allow time for exercise and mental and physical relaxation.