Snow, the smell of cookies baking and twinkling lights are all things that may remind us of the holidays.  So does arguments, stress and busyness.  For some the holiday season represents a positive time spent with family, cooking and shopping.  While others struggle with anxiety at the thought of being around relatives, the expectations of trying to be happy and all the preparation required as the holidays draw near.  Most people land somewhere in the middle.  So how can we mentally and emotionally prepare ourselves this year?  We want to enjoy and create some joyous holiday memories while still being realistic about our time and what is out of our control? Let’s lean into this question together to develop 6 survival tips to reduce holiday stress. [Read more…]