Ten Tips to Help You Save Your Sanity During the Holidays

1. Set limits for yourself. If you feel overwhelmed with shopping, cooking and visiting relatives don't add more to your plate. Take 10-15 minute breaks to take e a walk, meditate, read, pray or just sit still. Don't let anyone guilt you into doing something you don't want to do. Be firm with family and friends about your need to take a break. Good resource: http://www.relaxandbreathe.com 2. Shop Early or Online. I'm sure your kids have a list of items for you to go on a scavenger hunt. Save yourself the headache and shop online. Many online retailers like Amazon.com. Target and Wal-Mart have great deals. If you want to avoid another Tickle Me Elmo disaster, shop online. Good resource for toys: http://www.successfulchild.com If you can't find what you're looking for, do a search on Google.com Http://www.google.com or check out Ebay http://www.ebay.com for your item. 3. Respond, don't react to annoying family members. If your in-laws are like Frank and Marie Barone from Everybody Love Raymond, then you already know what you are dealing with. They are not going to change and chances are they get a kick out of seeing you frustrated. Let it go and decide that you are not going to let anyone ruin the holidays for you. If someone says something to upset you, assert yourself and let them know that you will not be disrespected. Arguing or defending yourself will only make things escalate. If someone brings up something painful from the past, simply tell the, "This is not a good time for discussing this matter." Good Resource: http://www.difficultpeople.com 4. Don't Try to Be a Host/Hostess Extraordinaire. Just because Martha Stewart is in jail, doesn't mean you have to be her replacement. Take turns going to other relatives