5 tips for a happier holiday season

Happy holidays! Happy 'getting stressed out, trying to do too many things and please everyone' season. Oh, wait. That's not promising.

This is the year to mix it up and make the holidays a little easier.

Forget perfection

Sometimes gingerbread men will be missing a limb. The tree may have a bald spot. The kugel may not taste exactly like your grandma’s. Know what? None of it matters. Decide what's truly important to you over the holidays, and focus on that.

Enlist help

Once you drop the desire for Norman Rockwell levels of perfection, it gets much easier to ask for help and delegate tasks.

Kids can sign the names and address holiday cards. Wrap gifts in plain brown paper and kids can stay occupied decorating with crayons and ribbon.

Stick to a budget

Much of the holiday stress people feel can be attributed to money woes. Make a list and check it twice, making sure the gifts you choose are within your budget reach. If you need a sliding scale for your massage gift cards, please don't hesitate to ask. And when you're tempted to overspend, remember that things are rarely as meaningful as a kind thought or gesture.

Shop local

Shy away from the average stuff you get at chain stores and Amazon. Visit your local bookstore, bakery and massage office to get gifts and gift certificates that really mean something.

Bonus: you’re supporting small business at the same time!

Get a massage and drink for good health

Taking care of yourself makes you better able to take care of all the people who depend on you! Now the drink I'm talking about is hydrating, nourishing and wholesome, from Wonder Press juice bar. Try a juice cleanse for a day or just stop by for a nutritious drink. Here's to a wonderful holiday low on stress, high on health and filled with fun!