The holidays are a time for family and cheer, but making sure the house is clean, the food is ready, and the presents are wrapped and ready to be opened can be overwhelming. These factors can bring unwanted stress and depression in a time meant for happiness. Some important, practical tips can help minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. These tips may even help you enjoy the holidays more than expected.

Through the endless parties, cooking, shopping and cleaning, try taking one of 9 steps to ensure you have a stress-free holiday:

1. Plan ahead.

Between co-workers, friends and family, it’s inevitable that some commitments will end up on the same day. Make sure to plan on what you can attend in person or virtually. If you’re hosting the holidays, create a menu to help you stay organized and make grocery shopping easier.

2. Say no.

With holiday commitments, it is OK to say no to a few or all of them. It also will help relieve some stress. Try sharing your to-do list with other family members.

3. Plan spending.

The holidays mean spending money. Make a budget and stick to it. Spending money on your loved ones is important, but it’s also important to pay your energy bill. Don’t buy gifts that you’ll be paying off for the rest of the year.

4. Create relaxing surroundings.

Turn on some music, light some candles or open the windows on a sunny day. Research has found that listening to music and the scent of citrus can boost feelings of well-being, and vitamin D is always a happiness booster.

5. Maintain healthy habits.

The holidays are notorious for ruining healthy habits. A short workout each morning will help your decision-making throughout the day. Encourage your family to try snow shoeing or sledding to get in extra exercise. Eat healthy snacks like fresh fruit or vegetables throughout the season and to fill up before a dinner party or celebration with tempting, but unhealthy, foods.

6. Share feelings.

Spending a holiday after a loss in the family can be difficult. Accept your feelings and open up about them to others. It may make you feel better to share. Try to switch up old traditions to ease the loss.

7. Respect differences.

Family members will have different viewpoints than your own. Try your best to forgive and forget this holiday season. Focus on your similarities, and replace tension with something productive.

8. Be realistic.

You are only one person, and you can only do so much. Be realistic with how much you can handle this season. Forget about perfection, and relax and enjoy the company surrounding you.

9. Take a break.

Don’t forget about your own needs. Take a nap, go for a short walk, read a book or watch a funny movie. Laughing relaxes the whole body, and can relieve physical tension and stress.

Holidays are meant to be a fun, enjoyable time with friends and family. These tips can help ensure you truly enjoy your holidays when stress starts to set in.

Holiday Red and Green Slaw

Holiday Red and Green Slaw

This festive red cabbage slaw combines tart apples, sweet dried fruit, and crunchy walnuts with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The recipe is flexible, allowing for dried cranberries or cherries based on your preference.

½ head red cabbage (about 5 cups), thinly shredded

2 cups of leafy greens of your choice, chopped (Kale, Spinach or Green Cabbage)

1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and julienned or finely diced

½ cup dried cranberries or cherries

½ cup walnuts, chopped and toasted

2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Tangy vinaigrette dressing:

¼ cup olive oil

3 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp maple syrup or honey

1 tsp Dijon mustard

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

Directions:

1. Prepare the slaw base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage, chopped green leafy vegetable julienned apple, dried cranberries or cherries, and green onions (if using).
2. Make the dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until emulsified.
3. Combine and toss. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss everything thoroughly until evenly coated.
4. Toast the walnuts. While the slaw is chilling, toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, until fragrant. Let them cool completely before adding to the salad to preserve their crunch.
5. Cover the slaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Just before serving, toss the slaw again and sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top. Enjoy this colorful and crunchy holiday side dish.

Holiday Cranberry Congealed Salad

Cranberry Apple Salad

1 can (20 oz.) Crushed Pineapple or Tidbits (packed in juice)

2 packages of sugar-free red gelatin

1 can ( 16 oz.) whole cranberry sauce

1 medium apple, diced with skin on

Directions:

1. Drain pineapple over a 2 cup measuring cup. Set pineapple aside.
2. Add enough water to the pineapple juice to measure 2 cups.
3. Heat the 2 cups of liquid until boiling.
4. Meanwhile, dice apple and set aside.
5. In a large mixing bowl add gelatin.
6. Pour boiling liquid over the gelatin. Stir about 2 minutes or until completely dissolved.
7. Add cranberry sauce and stir. Add diced apple and stir.
8. Pour into mold(s) or serving bowl. Chill for at least 3 hours.

Sources for this article NC Extension Food and Nutrition educational program. For more information about the Foods and Nutrition please contact Louise L. Hinsley, Extension Agent, Family Consumer Science at the Beaufort County Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension, 155 Airport Road, Washington, 252-946-0111. Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook for upcoming events and classes, Beaufort County FCS.