The count down has officially started: it’s only sixteen days until Christmas. Christmas brings excited children, crazed mothers, and even a few Scrooges. But it can brings a big problem- the classic holiday stress.

Don’t get me wrong, stress to a certain extent is actually fairly good. When a deadline is closing in, stress helps to fight through it. But that’s just a moderate stress. Holiday stress, most of the time, can fall under severe stress. The best thing to do to help relieve holiday stress is to take care of the body, the social life/ calendar, and the wallet.

Here are some basic steps to help relieve the pressure of holiday stress:

Turn down an invitation or two, spend time with friends and family and don't over book your schedule.

If you do go to a party, eat a few healthful snacks before. It will help you eat less cookies

Take time out for yourself, take a walk, get some fresh air, or read a book.

Establish budgets for gifts

Ask for help when buying presents or planning a party.

These are just a few things that could make holiday stress reduce.

Junior Lindsey Simmons said, “My holiday stress isn't really that bad. But with basketball and school, I have no time to get stuff ready for the holidays. So then it comes down to all last-minute stuff.”

Holiday stress can ruin a vacation. Just remember to stay calm, plan ahead and be healthy. These will make life ten times easier.