//www.relaxandbreathe.com2. Shop Early or Online.I'm sure your kids have a list of items for you to go on ascavenger hunt. Save yourself the headache and shop online. Manyonline retailers like Amazon.com. Target and Wal-Mart have greatdeals. If you want to avoid another Tickle Me Elmo disaster,shop online. Good resource for toys:http://www.successfulchild.com If you can't find what you'relooking for, do a search on Google.com Http://www.google.com orcheck out Ebay http://www.ebay.com for your item.3. Respond, don't react to annoying family members.If your in-laws are like Frank and Marie Barone from EverybodyLove Raymond, then you already know what you are dealing with.They are not going to change and chances are they get a kick outof seeing you frustrated. Let it go and decide that you are notgoing to let anyone ruin the holidays for you. If someone sayssomething to ...

...upset you, assert yourself and let them know thatyou will not be disrespected. Arguing or defending yourself willonly make things escalate. If someone brings up somethingpainful from the past, simply tell the, "This is not a good timefor discussing this matter." Good Resource:http://www.difficultpeople.com4. Don't Try to Be a Host/Hostess Extraordinaire.Just because Martha Stewart is in jail, doesn't mean you have tobe her replacement. Take turns going to other relatives’ homesfor the holidays. If you had everyone over for Thanksgiving, goto someone else's home for Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa.5. Shop Wisely.Buy people what you know they'll want for the holidays. You'llend up wasting your money and time for a recyclable gift. If youknow your husband doesn't like skiing, don't buy him a trip to aSki Resort. People usually drop hints during the year, so payattention when they are talking. Have alternatives for gifts.Let your children know in advance that there might be a chancethat you won't find their gift. 6. Don't Overspend.Give yourself a budget and stick to it. Need to compare prices?Use an online tool such as http://www.shopping.com,http://www.bizrate.com, http://www.activshopper.com orhttp://www.pricegrabber.com. Limit yourself to gifts for peopleon your list. If you need extra gifts (just in case someonegives you one), buy a basket and fill it with candles, and othergoodies.7. Avoid too much alcohol consumption.Alcohol and family gatherings are a lethal combination. You cannot control what the people around you do, but you can controlyourself. 8. Stop Wishing for a Perfect Holiday.If you want to avoid disappointment, don't have expectations ofperfection. Everyone has flaws and the holidays may not go asplan. Go with the flow while being optimistic. 9. Take Care of Yourself.This is not the time for you to slack off of your self care.Exercise, eat right and get adequate sleep. Don't overindulge atparties or family gatherings. 10. Socialize.The holidays can be lonely or you may not be in a celebratorymood. Instead of sulking, go out with a friend or do somethingthat makes you happy. Keep yourself busy and make plans to treatyourself. If you need spiritual guidance, try visiting a church,mosque or synagogue....