You know what it is like to gather with the family and friends during the holidays. Sometimes these gatherings can be joyful, exciting and pleasant. Other times they can be filled with expectations, family obligations and stress. Add to that stress, the pressure of holiday baking, gift buying and wrapping, travel arrangements and decorating, and you have multiple layers of tension.

Here are 5 great steps you can easily do to reduce your stress during the holidays, saving hours of headaches, tense muscles and family tension:

• Clean early. Schedule time ahead to get the house cleaned and organized. Prepare space for any company you may be hosting and organize your kitchen for baking.


• Make lists. Take the time to write out a list for each family member and their role in the holiday plans. When everyone has their own clear list of tasks, tension is reduced. List the holiday shopping, the baking schedule, the calendar of events, etc. Pre-planning will save hours of stress and tension that happens when things sneak up on you.


• Rest. Take little