It’s the most wonderful time of the year…or so the song goes. For some it may be true, the holiday season can indeed be a wonderful time to connect with loved ones and create happy memories. However for others it can be a time when if not kept in check, stress levels can skyrocket. So how can you get the most out of this holiday season. Below are some quick tips to help ensure that the memories you create this Christmas, are ones you will want to remember.

1. Make self care your number one priority. That means getting enough sleep, eating well and saying no to requests from others that are going to stretch your time and energy to the max. It’s impossible to care for others if you don’t take care of yourself.

2. Get back to basics. The holiday season can quickly get out of control. Expensive gifts, the round of holiday parties and a never-ending to do list can quickly leave us feeling frazzeled if we are not careful. We can choose to step outside of this 3 ringed circus and really focus on the things that matter most to us by putting up boundaries and knowing it’s okay to say no to things that we are doing from a sense of obligation, rather than desire.

3. Reconnect with yourself. This time of year is a great time to reflect on the year that’s been. Did you do all that you wanted to do? If not, why not? What will you commit to achieving in 2008 that will bring you a deeper sense of fullfillment with your life. Take a quiet moment this holiday season to write down goals for the year ahead.

4. Don’t get caught up in family feuds. People often expect that the holiday season automatically means that family differences will be set aside; and hopefully they will. However, disagreements at this time of year can often escalate due to the increased tensions and higher expectations on all sides. If you know from experinence that certain people or situations are an oil and water mix, remove yourself from the situation and if need be, visit with each friend on seperately.

5. Have fun, relax and forget about getting everything perfectly right. Take the pressure off yourself now and stay focussed on the things that really matter most to you.