Christmas is one of the most stressful periods of the year. The expense of buying gifts, the stress of last minute shopping and the high expectations of family togetherness can all join to undermine our best intentions.

A few simple practical suggestions can help you reduce your Christmas stress and depression.

1. Creating a Budget for Christmas. Extra expenses can definitely make you feel stressed out. Don’t judge the success of your Christmas by the number of packages under the tree. If you have a large family you buy presents for, suggest some ways to help reduce costs for everyone:
Buy gifts just for the children
Draw names so everyone buys a gift for only one person
Set a maximum value on the cost of gifts
Give homemade gifts

2. Christmas shopping strategies. Stress reduction strategies for successful Christmas shopping include:
- Make a list of all the gifts you wish to buy before you go shopping.
- Do your Christmas shopping early – in the first week of December or even in November.
- Buy Online. Buy your gifts by mail catalogue or over the Internet. Some companies will also gift-wrap and post your presents for a small additional fee.
- Buy a few extras, such as chocolates, just in case you forget somebody or you have unexpected guests bearing gifts.

3. Delegate:You can’t do it alone. If you’re attempting to do all the shopping, cooking, cleaning, wrapping, decorating and shipping all by yourself, you’re screwed. If you’re in a relationship or part of a family unit, this is where that clear communication comes in. Delegate! Get clear on what you’re going to do, what your partner will do, and what the kids will do. Make it clear that if they don’t do the tasks assigned to them, they’re not going to get done!

4. Make time for yourself -find time to relax. Christmas is a time for everyone to give, not just you. Sit in front of the fireplace and enjoy the moment. Take some time to be silent and reflective, even if it’s just 15 minutes. There is scientific proof that doing so can decrease blood pressure, pulse rate, and improve blood circulation. Give this gift to yourself each and every day.

5. Try some breathing exercises. These can be done at any time and are helpful if you are feeling panicky.

6. Get enough sleep: At this time of year, burning the candle at both ends becomes the norm for many people. When you are sleep deprived, the effects of stress become much more noticeable. So during this holiday season, see if you can resist the temptation to stay up until midnight wrapping presents and checking your email.

7. Listen to Christmas songs  Christmas songs is very relaxing and fun and often funny. So at this time of year, when I’m stuck in holiday traffic, I surf the radio for some good holiday songs to sing along with. My wife, on the other hand, finds them extremely annoying most of the time. So this technique wouldn’t work for her! Use your best judgment.

Related posts:

1. Christmas Saving Money Ideas: How to Earn Money without Waste Them !
2. Green Christmas: How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Christmas Gift
3. Ultimate Top 25 Christmas Wishes Collection
4. 7 Great 40th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
5. Post-Holiday Depression: 10 Tips for Coping with Low Mood and Stress after the Holiday Season