Even those who love the winter holidays still aren’t fans of the stress that can come with the season. Then there are those who don’t like the holidays for that number one reason: the stress.

What if this year you could create a Christmas that you could get excited for, one that eliminates the headaches that traditionally can be part of the preparations and celebrations? Would be pretty lovely, right?

The intention behind the season is to honor, rejoice, connect, celebrate and come together joyously.

Here are some things to try, a snapshot of the plan that has worked for me during Christmases past:

• Skip some traditions and rituals. I only send out Christmas cards every other year. This has allowed for it to not feel like a chore but rather something I look forward to. Is there something you can take a break from to see if it is important to honor next year?
• Only participate in the traditions that you enjoy. Just because your family has been doing it forever doesn’t mean you have to—doing something out of duty is obvious and every one can sense it.
• Add a new tradition. Try something you have never done before. Borrow idea from a friend. Create your own out of the box tradition.
• Get more sleep. Turn off Netflix sooner and crawl into bed to get you rested for the celebrations you want to be awake and healthy and fully participate in.
• Do something every day that brings you joy even if it is sipping hot cocoa in front of a fire or listening to Christmas music.
• Attend parties and celebrations that you WANT to be a part of—similar to participating in traditions that bring you joy—an unwanted presence is contagious.
• Choose to give gifts that are in your budget, and don’t break your neck to get the “perfect” gift.
• Less is more.
• Remove “should” from your vocabulary.
• Create time to just BE. No plans. No activity. Curl up with a favorite holiday movie.

You are wired all year to get things done, check everything off the list, be constantly on the go. Schedule time to relax and savor the season. Holidays are meant to savor and celebrate so give yourself a year off from the hectic, harried and hurried.

Ask yourself what an ideal Christmas season would look like. Write it down. Then start creating. If others don’t like it, that’s okay, they are wired to believe in their perspective. Just as you are wired to create from a place of peace and joy.

Cheers, Jenny