It's hard to believe that Christmas is in two days.  Are you stressed out trying to get everything done?  I want to help you to keep your stress at bay these next few days so you can enjoy the holiday.  Try these three strategies:  

• Keep perspective. If the present doesn’t arrive until after the holidays, the ornaments aren’t hung on the tree, or the gravy never makes it on the table — you will be okay. In fact, you’ll probably have a funny story to tell for years to come about the year you didn’t serve ham because it was frozen solid and Uncle Joe broke his knife trying to cut it!   (That never happened to me personally but I can tell you that one of my presents this year will not arrive on time so I simply put a picture of it in a box with an explanation.  I know I will be forgiven.  No problem!)
• Adopt a mantra. I am a fan of mantras.  I think they help us stay the course, thereby reducing our stress.  One of my favorite that I keep finding myself saying more and more is "It's good enough".  Using this mantra takes a lot of stress off of my Type A personality and tendency to want to be "perfect".  Knowing that I did my best, although perhaps not perfect, is "good enough" for me.  Whatever positive saying works for you, use it and use it often. 
• Let it go. In keeping with the above, you are not a superhero. Perfection is unattainable, so stop trying to be "perfect".  Buy a smoked turkey if you’re nervous about cooking the bird. Throw all your clutter into a closet (did I really say that!?!?!?) and deal with it after the holidays when you’re more level-headed. Purchase a gift card instead of hunting for the exact gift you think you might discover at the last minute.

Do yourself a favor and be a happy holiday celebrant.  It is much more enjoyable for everyone around you when you are enjoying the festivities along with everyone else rather being irritable and stressed out.  Takes all the fun out of it for you too, doesn't it?  

Wishing each and every one of you a happy holiday.  Happy Hannukah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year!  May you have a stress-free and joyful holiday season.  See you again in 2012!!!!