The holidays bring lots of joy. But they can also bring stress. Here are a few easy ways to keep things happier during your holiday season:

Holiday how-to's

Celebrate the season without the added stress:

Healthy

* Try not to eat or drink too much. Avoid buffets, rich desserts and extra alcohol.

* Stick to your exercise routine. Even a quick 10 minute walk can help you unwind and recharge.

* Simplify meals and celebrations. Big fancy dinners may be traditional, but they're not easy to pull off.

Happy

* Volunteer for a worthy cause. You'll feel good about yourself and help others.

* Talk about happy memories. It's also a good time to reminisce about loved ones who are no longer here.

* Enjoy the company of friends. Try to celebrate with people rather than all alone.

Calm

* Plan ahead. Make lists to keep track of what you need to do, and ask others for help.

* Relax. Take a walk, read for a few minutes or take a long, hot shower.

* Don't expect a perfect holiday. You'll reduce your stress if you lower your expectations.

'Tis the season of spending

During the holidays, it's easy for spending to spin out of control. Try these tips to stay on budget:

* Make a list. Write out what you spent last year on gifts, cards, food and decorations. This is a good starting place for your budget.

* Cash only. Take out just the amount of cash you want to spend and don't use your credit cards. This way, you won't overspend.

* Plan ahead. Make a list and stick to it. Don't let impulse purchases blow your budget.

* Search for sales. You'd be surprised how much you can save by doing a little research ahead of time.

* Get creative. Try giving homemade gifts. They cost less but can be very rich in meaning.

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