1. Strive to be in the moment. Be mindful of what you are doing and what your experience is rather than getting caught up in your head, your past or your future. Take time to pause and live in the moment. Breathe. Smell. Listen. Look. Your Christmas experience consists of one moment after another that happens now, live them fully.

2. Let go of expectations and especially the fantasy of perfection. If we expect perfection, reality can never measure up. It works better to notice and appreciate what you have that you do like.

3. Keep it simple. Go ahead and create beauty if you want, but remember that “Less is usually more.” The time and effort involved in creating a Martha Stewart Christmas generates a lot of unnecessary stress. If not adequately appreciated (by yourself or others), it can also make you (and perhaps others) miserable.

4. Stay focused on the meaning. Keep focused on the meaning that you give Christmas, and make choices consistent with that meaning. If you believe that the meaning is “giving,” focus on giving. If for you, the meaning of Christmas is spiritual, take the time to pray and worship. If for you, the meaning of Christmas is connecting with friends, make that phone call. Choose what is meaningful to you, stick with that and let go of the rest.

5. Expect and accept some disappointment and/or sadness. As human beings, even our happy moments can trigger sadness and loss – thoughts of loved ones who are no longer there, thoughts of times past that somehow seemed better. If sadness arrives, don’t treat it as an unwelcome guest. Let it sit with you until it chooses to leave. Pushing an unwanted feeling out the door, usually just leads to it clamoring at the door and demanding your complete attention.

Source: Dr. Lee Fitzgibbons, Anxiety Solutions in Raymond.