The holidays are, without a doubt, the best time of the year. However, preparing for the holiday season can be seriously stressful and time-consuming. So, we've put together these tips to help you and your family enjoy the holidays stress-free. 

• Meet up for a brainstorming session

Holidays involve different tasks such as cooking, buying gifts, sending cards, decorating, and planning family trips. It can be a lot for one person to handle it all. So, try to get the entire family involved. Do a kick brainstorming session to decide things together, like what’s on the menu or where to go on your next family vacation. Delegate tasks so everyone can contribute. This way, the festivities will reflect the personality of the whole family and not just one person.

• Plan ahead

Things just seem to work better when we plan ahead, and the holidays are no exception. It's simply the busiest time of year for most people; shops are full, and prices go up (in other words, it's hell on earth for those who don't plan). So, avoid the last-minute rush, as many people do. If possible, do your shopping a few weeks or even months in advance; online shopping comes in handy during these times.

• Make a to-do list

Missed grabbing a present for your grant aunt? With so much to do during the holidays, mistakes like that are common. To-do lists can help you make sure you don't leave anything important behind.

• Get the dishes ready in advance

Holiday cooking can be fun, but it can also be time-consuming. Luckily, some dishes can be prepared in advance, frozen, and thawed when needed. There are also plenty of pre-ready options out there. Get the whole family involved; even the little ones can help with the easy stuff and have some fun while doing it.

• Save it for later

Food is one of the first things that comes to mind when we think about the holidays. The variety of tasty dishes is so good that it makes your mouth water. But let’s face it, there’s always tons of leftovers. Instead of letting it go to waste, you can toss it in the fridge for a quick meal the next day. Also, keep some to-go containers around so your guests can enjoy your treats later.

• Create a festive and fun environment

Holiday parties are all about having a good time with family. Decorate your house, create a playlist with your favorite songs, and put on a festive screensaver on the TV.

• Ready to go gifts

Sometimes, you receive gifts from people you weren't expecting, like that neighbor you only spoke to a few times. Having pre-made gifts on hand is a thoughtful way to handle this situation. Homemade cookies in a cute mason jar are a fantastic choice.

• Chill out and savor the moment

Holidays can’t be all about work. The end of the year allows us to reflect on the past year, make plans for the future, look inside ourselves and, realize what matters, be grateful, and spend quality time with our loved ones. Take a break and enjoy the present moment.

• Take care of yourself

One not-so-cool thing about the holidays is that they are great for spreading diseases. This is because we tend to go to a lot of parties, gather with family and friends, and go to crowded places. To protect yourself and your loved ones, avoid crowds whenever possible and wash your hands frequently, keep your vaccines up to date, and take care of your immune system by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and sleeping eight hours a day.

• Treat yourself with caution

As tempting as your grandmother’s recipes may be, going overboard with sweets and fats can be bad for your health. You don’t need to give up on your favorite foods; savor them in moderation and enjoy the moment. For the rest of the day, stick to your usual routine – eat healthily and get moving. Taking probiotics is a good way to protect yourself against potential threats to your gut health and strengthen your immunity.

Holidays with family become a lot easier when you’ve got some organization and planning tricks up your sleeve.

Hope you have a fantastic holiday!