Relax. Take time out of your hectic holiday schedule to pamper yourself.  Everyone needs to remember to be nice to themselves. You should treat yourself to something you like and do things you like to do, even if it’s just going to the movies.

Plan and prioritize. Don’t plan more than you can accomplish comfortably. Develop a calendar of specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other events. You’ve got to plan, but don’t wait until the last minute or you’re going to feel overwhelmed.  If you do feel overburdened, share responsibilities with family members or friends. Consider buying pre-made food items instead of baking everything yourself.

Set realistic expectations. Holidays can be difficult for people, especially when reality doesn’t measure up to their expectations. People need to realize that the holidays are not going to be perfect.  Also, don’t label the holiday season as a time to cure all past problems.

Budget. For many people, the holidays are financially stressful and that can cause the blues or depression.  Know your spending limit and stick to it. Enjoy holiday activities that are free, such as driving around to look at holiday decorations. Go window-shopping without buying anything.  Some professionals suggest that giving less materialistic gifts, such as your time or an item you made yourself, may help your stress level, as well.

Don’t force festivity. Feeling down is valuable, it lets you know that something in your life is not working. If you listen to your depression, it may help you make changes in your life. So, embracing the blues is a good thing.  Honor what you are feeling. Don’t force yourself to feel something you’re not.  If you are straddling the fence about something such as going to a party, keep an open mind.  If you’re split about whether to go out, go ahead and try going to a party. You may find that you have a good time.  You can be selective about what you want to do.

Be healthful. Never abandon healthy habits and don’t eat and drink more than usual just because it’s the holiday season. Get plenty of sleep and schedule time for exercise.  Avoiding excessive drinking will curb the holiday blues.  Alcohol may make you feel “up” at first, but it’s actually a depressant; too much can make you feel worse.  During the holidays, people are exposed more to things such as alcohol and food.  Some professionals suggest exercising or meditating to deal with fatigue and stress. As a result, you may be more able to resist temptations.

Volunteer. Giving of yourself through volunteer efforts is a very effective counterbalance to sadness and depression.  It can give meaning and purpose to holidays that would otherwise seem empty.  Getting involved and helping others can be a great way to lift your spirits and make new acquaintances.

Be introspective. Explore why you aren’t in a holiday mood and ask yourself gently what’s going on and if you can pinpoint it.  You might be able to know the specific cause of why you feel depressed or sad. This can help you address any changes you might make in your life. Remind yourself that the holidays and your present circumstances will not last forever, and look forward to the future.

Start new traditions. Create for yourself what you didn’t have in the past.  Knowing what caused you to be blue in the past can help you create happier memories in the future by beginning new traditions.  As families change and grow, traditions may need to change as well. With families reuniting during the holidays, parents’ and grown children’s expectations may not match, which may lead to a dip in mood. Allow yourself some time away from your family and set realistic expectations.