The holidays can be a really stressful time for everyone. As kids, who knew how much work actually went into making those Christmases so perfect? Did we have any clue how hard our parents worked or how worried they were about paying the bills and all of the other hustle and bustle that goes with the holiday? Ah, to be young again!  I have had my share of stressful holidays, a few that had me so worn out that I was ill for weeks. This year, I do not want to be a victim of holiday stress! I hope you don't either!

I think women especially are incredibly stressed out during the holidays because we do so much of the "traditional" stuff that is associated with the holidays- the big meals, the gift lists, the decorating, etc. Not to leave you guys out, you do a lot too! I put together this list of "reminders" for men and women because we all need to remember that this is our holiday to enjoy too! So many years I have just worked my rear off, wishing we could get the whole thing "over with" and this year I refuse to be so "Scrooge-y". I hope these pointers help you, and let me know if you have any other suggestions that I might add to this list.

1. A good attitude- is always at the top of my list! One of my favorite frugal decorators, Christopher Lowell (from Interior Motives), says- "Where there is fear, there is no creativity!" So true! I have been downright paralyzed with fear in the past as I contemplated all that was ahead of me. This is not a productive attitude and is self-sabotaging. So put on a smile and resolve to have a Happy Christmas this year as a gift to yourself!

2. Get your sleep-you'll be less cranky and better able to make decisions, not to mention actually remember things!

3. Establish a "Martha free" zone- yes, Martha has great ideas, but no one is that perfect with out a ton of help! Remember that the tv shows, magazines, and commercials you see take an army of people and a ton of money to produce. Yes, we might be able to have Martha Stewart perfection if we had an entire staff of hired help and a few million dollars, but most of us don't. So don't get obsessed and torture yourself with overly expensive, complicated or time consuming projects. If you can't resist the holiday masochism, at least limit yourself to one of two projects that require a lot of time and/or money.