It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? Not necessarily. The already too-fast pace of our world seems to accelerate in triplicate once the calendar rolls around to December. For people experiencing physical or financial challenges, or those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the demands and expectations of the holidays often heap more pressure on top of existing stress. Before you know it, all of your resolutions for living well from last New Year’s Eve are a distant memory. 

Let’s do it differently this year. Let’s shout a resolute “Bah Humbug!” to three common holiday traps.

1. Holiday Stress

As tempting as it may be to throw the healthy eating, restful sleep, and daily exercise out the window, don’t do it. Stick with your daily routine to find calm in your familiar rhythm. Make your exercise time a priority; it releases serotonin, the feel-good hormone that lowers anxiety and promotes good sleep. Experts contend that even a 30-minute brisk walk can elevate your mood for up to 12 hours.  In addition to keeping your excise time on track, try to follow a few of these stress-relief practices:

• Cultivate a good laugh every day. It reduces stress hormones and boosts your immune system.
• Eat well. Eating well in this case doesn’t mean feasting until you can’t stand to eat any more. Make smart choices. Enjoy a healthy snack before parties to lessen the temptation to overindulge on sweets and high-fat foods.
• Say “no.” Do it when you need to or even just when you want to. Pleasing others does not support living well if it drains energy from you. Let go of the idea that you can, or should, do it all. Focus your attention on being with the people you love this year.
• Ditch old traditions and establish new holiday customs. Nothing says you have to celebrate in the same ways that you always have. Get creative and think outside of the gift-wrapped box.

2. Last Minute Shopping

When it comes to the last minute gift crunch, do what the bearded man in the red suit does:

• Make a list.  
• Check it twice.

Determine a budget before you begin and stick with it, so desperation doesn’t tempt you to overspend. If you must venture out to the stores, go during nonpeak early-morning or late-evening hours. Jump online and do some comparison shopping between retailers’ prices before arriving in person. This saves you both money and time. You could even shop online from the comfort of your favorite chair—even if you’re down to the wire as many web-based retailers will deliver gifts on a tight deadline if you choose two-day or overnight shipping.

Having trouble figuring out what to give? Consider the following non-traditional ideas:

• If you have a creative talent in the kitchen, wood shop, or art studio, go with handmade gifts. They mean so much more.
• Donate to a charity for those friends and relatives who enjoy giving back to their communities. Choosing a cause close to their hearts and honoring them with a donation is very meaningful.
• Consider gift a subscription box. Where ever your loved one’s interests may lie—fashion, food, fitness—there’s a subscription service that offers monthly boxes packed full of goodies. It’s a gift that keeps giving

3. Family Arguments

The holidays seem to drive many families into meltdown when everyone gathers together in one loud and chaotic room. The Mayo Clinic advises: “Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion.” Make a resolution to go into the holiday family gatherings with an optimistic attitude, prepared to handle whatever may come. Last December, The Wall Street Journal ran a great article on family meltdowns that suggested this mantra: “I am going to finish this family get-together being proud of my behavior and knowing that I behaved like an adult.”

Remember: living well means that you have full permission to say “Bah humbug” to anything—or anyone—that dampens your Christmas spirit every single day of the year.