The holidays are a time for family, friends, and stress. Lots and lots of stress. Between buying the perfect gift, attending holiday parties, and dealing with family dynamics, it's easy to let the holidays get the best of you. But it doesn't have to be that way! 

With a bit of planning and a positive attitude, you can enjoy yourself this holiday season. Here's how:

Create a budget—and stick to it

One of the most significant sources of holiday stress is money. Money worries can easily damper your holidays if you're worried about affording gifts for your loved ones or putting food on the table for your holiday party. 

The best way to combat this stress is to create a budget and stick to it. Decide how much you're willing to spend on each person on your list, and then find creative ways to stay within that budget. For example, try making homemade gifts or setting a dollar limit for Secret Santa exchanges.

Plan ahead—but be flexible

Another significant source of holiday stress is simply trying to do too much in too little time. If you're constantly running around trying to finish all your shopping, cooking, and wrapping at the last minute, you're not going to enjoy yourself—or the holidays! 

To avoid this stress, try planning as much as possible. Make lists of people you need to buy gifts for, recipes you need to make, and errands you need to run so you can stay organized and on track. But also be flexible. The holidays are about spending time with loved ones, not crossing items off your to-do list. So if things don't go according to plan, don't sweat it—the important thing is that you're surrounded by people who care about you.

Take some time for yourself

The holidays can be overwhelming, so take some time out for yourself. Whether it's getting in some extra sleep, taking a long bath, or reading your favorite book by the fire, taking some time out for yourself will help reduce your stress levels and give you the energy you need to get through the rest of the holiday season.

Go ahead and set your New Year goals now

As the holidays approach, it's important to take some time to plan for the new year. This is especially true if you're hoping to make some changes in your life or achieve specific goals. By taking a few minutes to think about what you want to accomplish, you can develop a concrete plan that will help you stay on track. 

It's also good to set aside some time during the holidays to reflect on the past year. What went well? What could have been better? What did you learn? These insights can help you make more informed choices as you move into the new year. So as you enjoy the holiday season, take a little time to prepare for the future. It will pay off in the long run.

The holidays don't have to be stressful. Just remember to create a budget, plan ahead, and take some time out for yourself—and you'll be sure to have a warm and cozy holiday season.