The Holidays are supposed to be fun and a time to be with family and friends. For a lot of us that's just how Christmas is spent, but for many this time of year turns into a full out stress fest. There's no reason why we all can't enjoy this happy time of the year; so with a few adjustments and different approaches to your usual ways a stress free Christmas can certainly be achieved.

Start out by reducing your gift giving list. You are certainly not obligated to give everyone you know a gift, even though you feel like you should. This alone can make your stress levels go through the roof! Instead, make a reasonable list of the people in your life who you really want to give something to (good friends and close family members, for example) and for the rest just give a Christmas card, or a little detail like a small bag with Christmas chocolates.

Another big stress inducer this year, one which we are all victims to, is the economy; so even for the people that you do want to give gifts you might have to lower the spending limits on. You can still give useful and appreciated gifts, even on a lower budget. You can shop at discount stores such as Marshalls or TJ Maxx's and find great items at very reduced prices. An additional option is to actually make some gifts yourself, this can be anything from cookies, arts and crafts projects, knitted items or whatever you have a niche for. Even a framed photograph of a loved one, or a subject of interest can be a great present for many.

One more big cause for strain during the Holidays is the big and lavish cooked meals that we look forward to. All this cooking , specially for big families can understandably be exhaustive and definitely stress inducing. A smart way to deal with this is to have family members pitch in. The job of cooking large Christmas meals shouldn't be left upon just one person. Have members of your family and any guests bring a dish, even if it's just a salad. Don't be bashful to ask for help, most people won't have a problem helping out, specially when they know that there's a big group to feed and only one cook to do it all. Have people bring side dishes for example, this way you can dedicate your time to making a great main dish without having to worry about all the other accompaniments.

Also, don't be afraid to buy a cake or pastries if you or no one else can make dessert. Buy a few 'Torrons', a delicious Catalan Christmas favorite, that you can now find at most supermarkets. Then, get some Christmas cookies, everyone loves those, and some Holiday chocolates. Of course, if you must absolutely bake something go ahead, but make it easy, get a store made mix and have fun decorating it with a Christmas theme.

Lastly, there's the workplace Christmas stress. This can be from what to give to whom and how many days off you can get for the Holidays. As far as giving gifts, again, give only if you truly feel like you want to. If there are only a few people you want to give something to, then do so. For everyone else who is in your work group, give a card and chocolates. If you are not particularly friendly with anyone then just give a card to all. You can even just not give anything if your work place is not a social one for you or other workers. But if you're one of those people that likes to socialize and is friendly with everyone then just give the card if that's all you are up to.

As far as the time off work at around Christmas, it can be a little trickier... The best way to deal with this is to request the time off early in the year, this way you have the best chance of getting it. If you only get minimal time or none at all, then you have to make the best of your evenings after work. Ask your spouse to cook dinner so that you can go do some Christmas shopping when you get off work. Delegate things to do, such as wrapping presents and doing Christmas cards with other family members. Don't do it all! Everyone in the family can give a hand in preparing things so that you don't get stuck doing it all, specially with a full time job and reduced time off from work.

I hope this suggestions can help your stress levels take a downturn. Of course, for the terminally stressed, you can always boycott Christmas... but most people don't want to do that, so you have to find ways to make it easier for yourself like the ones suggested here. Also, very important, don't forget to relax, take some breaks here and there; buy a half day spa treat if you can afford it and get one for another stressed out person you know. Or a simple bubble bath in your own home can do wonders for you and your stress as well.

May this prove to be a good Holiday Season for you, with less stress and filled with many enjoyable moments. Have a good Christmas and a very Happy New Year!