It’s that time of the year again, the holidays are officially upon us. Learn how to survive the holidays like a pro. Experience less stress and more MERRY with these simple tips for enjoying a stress-free holiday season.

1. Start Your Holiday Shopping Early

Forget waiting till the last minute, start your holiday shopping early this season. Beat the holiday rush by planning ahead. Make a list of everyone you need to get gifts for and keep it simple. If you want to completely skip out on all the crowds and traffic, do your holiday shopping online.

Holiday Shopping, Photo Credit: AntonioGuillem (iStock).

Photo Credit: AntonioGuillem (iStock).

2. Don’t Overdo it With Decorations

Don’t get carried away with all the holiday decorations. You can make your home look festive for the season without messy or difficult holiday decorations. Avoid stress with these easy and super festive holiday decorating ideas.

3. Focus on the True Meaning of the Season

Remember the true meaning of the season. Focus on what really matters, like spending quality time with the people you love. Enjoy the holiday season without worrying about expensive gifts. Keep it simple and cherish the memories!

Christmas, Family, Holidays, Photo Credit: LightFieldStudios (iStock).

Photo Credit: LightFieldStudios (iStock).

4. Prioritize What Matters Most

Let’s face it, there’s just not enough time to do everything really want. This is especially true during the busy holiday season. Tackle the busy holiday season by prioritizing what matters most. Avoid over cramming your schedule. This will help you stress less and enjoy the holidays more!

5. Stick To The Recipes You Love

Save cooking experiments for another day. The last thing you need is added stress due to a Pinterest fail or recipe disaster. Bake the dishes you love. Stick to tried and true recipes that your family and friends will be sure to approve of.

Holiday Photo Credit: AleksandarNakic (iStock).

Photo Credit: AleksandarNakic (iStock).

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Guests For Help

Just because your hosting Christmas dinner doesn’t mean you have to do it all by yourself. Ask your guests for a little help this holiday season! When guests bring a side dish or dessert, cooking for the holidays will become so much easier.

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7. Really, It’s Okay to Relax

Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays overwhelm you. Take time for yourself and find ways to relax. Take a deep breath and give yourself a much-deserved break. The more you relax, the more you will reduce overall holiday stress and anxiety.

Fire place Photo Credit: Image Source (iStock).

Photo Credit: Image Source (iStock).

8. Have More Fun This Holiday Season

Let’s not forget to have a little fun! Attend an ugly sweater party with friends. Bake your favorite cookies. Binge watch holiday movies. Forget about all the chaos and have more fun celebrating the season.

The holidays come and go quickly, make sure you are taking the time to really enjoy the season and spend more time family and friends!