Rescue Remedy - this, along with Arnica, belongs on everyone's shelf.  A Bach flower remedy, it works on the emotional level to defuse all sorts of stressful or emergency situations.  Just as the name says, this gentle substance can rescue you from moments when your emotions are on high alert.  Whether the turkey just burst into flames or a snowstorm has you stranded overnight in Chicago,RR offers an immediate dose of calm.  Available in drops (put 10 in a glass of water and sip at intervals, cream or even lozenges, this is a good friend to have on hand for occasional times when you feel overwhelmed and out of control. 

 If you want to hook yourself up to Rescue Remedy intravenously, then that signals more of a chronic state of stress and calls for an individual homeopathic remedy particular to your symptoms.  If any of these remedies sound like you, then taking a dose in the 30C potency now and again as needed through the holidays may help you regain your composure, sanity and physical well-being.  If none seem to fit your state, then this is a good opportunity to talk to a homeopath and look for a curative remedy specific to you.

 Gelsemium- not only is this a superb remedy for influenza, it is also wonderful for many kinds of anticipation stress.  Whether someone is facing an upcoming exam, a job interview or your spouse's company Christmas party, if you feel weak, exhausted and trembling at the very thought, then this could be a helpful remedy.  There can be dizziness, a dull headache, loose stools and frequent urination accompanying a general dread of the whole ordeal.  All you really want to do is lie down, close your eyes, and not wake up until it's over!

 Arsenicum - another good flu remedy, especially where there is vomiting and/or diarrhea involved, this remedy is for someone who sees the holiday season as one big potential for disaster around every corner and feels sick with worrying.   If you find yourself pacing or physically restless, need to be surrounded by friends/family to whom you constantly articulate your worries, often feel chilly and thirsty (but drink small sips at a time), then consider this remedy.  All symptoms may worsen at night where you lie awake in bed with fearsome "what if'" scenarios racing through your mind.

 Nux Vomica- one of the essential remedies to counter the effects of overdoing eating and drinking, I privately refer to this as the "grumpy husband" remedy (but it works for women, too!).  For people who have high standards of excellence, burn the candle at both ends, order/organize everyone around and then eat, drink or partake in stimulants just a little too much in order to unwind, look no further than this remedy.  For those who get a little too dictatorial, responsible and efficient in their efforts to "manage" the holidays and then find themselves with indigestion, insomnia, irritability and over-sensitivity to everything (noise, light, smells, cold etc.), get them this remedy asap before the rest of the family decides to spend the holidays elsewhere. 

Ignatia - this last remedy would be for those in whom the holiday season brings up sadness and grief.  Whether it's due to the loss of a loved one and being on your own, or any experience of sadness that comes up, use this remedy to help relieve the pain.  Symptoms can include brooding, sobbing uncontrollably or conversely not able to cry at all, a lump in the throat, congestive headaches or various spasms/tics.  For many, the holidays can be the saddest of times and this remedy is a wonderful healing balm for the broken-hearted.