Holiday Stress Management

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We asked readers of Heart-Healthy Living™ to share tips on reducing stress during the holidays. Here are some of their helpful hints:

Say no to stress.
How do I beat holiday stress? I've learned to say "no" politely, but firmly. From the beginning of our marriage, budget was a serious issue for my husband and me, so we told all the relatives: "Please do not give us gifts! We can't afford to give any. Because most holidays are for the kids, we will give gifts to the children, but that's it." Now we celebrate with a phone call, a card, and a monthly barbecue to celebrate the correlating birthdays and anniversaries. -Carine Nadel, Laguna Hills, California

Reach out to others.
Gather a few friends and stop by a nursing home, sit around the piano, and sing carols. Or purchase some decorations and a Christmas tree and take them to a battered women's shelter. -Tony Adelman, Los Angeles

Opt for breakfast.
Instead of doing a big dinner with all the trimmings, some years I host a brunch. If anything goes wrong, just serve extra champagne and orange juice, and nobody will notice! -Tammy Lowe, Ontario, Canada

Accept volunteers.
Allow others to bring food. If you play host, don't feel you have to do it all. After all, guests need a chance to show off their dishes, too. -Juliette Greene, Greenwood, Indiana

Focus on people.
Holidays are a time for being together. Plan to nurture relationships during this period. Pick out one or two acquaintances or friends, and make it a point to build stronger relationships. Do not overspend. The worst part of the holidays is the dread of receiving credit card bills. Resist the temptation of buying your way into the hearts of your loved ones. Set a budget. Instead of feeling pressured to buy something for everyone, send cards and a note saying "I served the local soup kitchen in your honor," or other service-oriented activities. -Jeff Standridge, Conway, Arkansas