Tips for Happy, Stress-free Holidays

Keep it simple

Big plans can bring big stress. Prevent stress by keeping things as simple as possible. Avoid spending money you don't have. You cannot buy happiness for yourself or others. The best gifts are based on acts of love and friendship: like spending time together or making home-made gifts.

Take it slow and easy

Less rushing makes less stress. Less stress means more joy. Take your time and move at your own pace. Seek a balance between giving quality time to yourself and to others. Begin with yourself. Make time to care for yourself: eat when you're hungry, rest when you're tired. Make time to do some of the things you love.

Home is where the heart is

The most important place to be is always exactly where you are. Remember the turtle and the snail who carry their homes with them wherever they go. The place where you invest your heart becomes your home. Whomever you share your heart with becomes your family. Don't get ahead of yourself — learn to make the most of where you are now. Contentment and happiness result from treasuring the simple blessings that are always around you and within you. Practice finding these blessings throughout the day.

Be positive

Trouble is where you find it, so don't waste your precious time looking for negatives or arguing about problems. When you feel angry or down, get some quiet time and don't take things too seriously because feelings will come and go. It helps when you accept that we all make mistakes — it's okay to be imperfect. Blame makes things worse, only solutions make things better. Good solutions are the fruits of good attitudes.

Reach out

You can always find joy in sharing quality time with others. Those who have an open heart will find no strangers. Go out of your way to find the innocence and goodness in everyone you meet. Be generous in giving the priceless gifts of encouragement and gratitude to yourself and those around you.