The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, sharing, love, family togetherness, and peace, but for some they are the exact opposite. For some, the holidays are a time of stress, upset, financial drain, and dread.

I am here to tell you that this holiday season does not have to be a breeding ground for turmoil. You too can chase away those holiday ba humbugs with a few of the following strategies:

1) Starting today envision your ideal holiday. Hold on to that vision; protect that vision as if it were a rare gem. Then make a commitment to making that vision a reality.

2) With your vision created, begin setting some strong boundaries. For example, “I will not allow others’ bad moods or differences to ruin my day.” Like your vision, commit to upholiding your boundaries.

3) Remember it is your holiday too so you deserve to enjoy it. If you need to delegate responsibilities this year, for example, asking Aunt Bertha to make the turkey and Cousin Rhonda to make the salad, that’s OK. Give yourself the permission you need to ask for help and to delegate.

4) Take time for you. Set up some time to recharge. Take naps, go for walks, take 15 minutes to sit quietly; whatever it takes to restore your energy and ensure that you don’t get run down. If you need to schedule “your time” in your calendar like you would a holiday party, do so. Being tired and grouchy leaves you vulnerable to the ba humbugs.

5) Create a budget and stick with that budget. Remember, it’s not the size or the cost of the gift that counts, it’s the thought.

6) Don’t get trapped in others’ holiday dramas and garbage. Remember, you have the power to choose what you wish to be involved in and what you don’t.

What strategies have you used in the past to avoid the holiday ba humbugs? Feel free to share your strategies and ideas. Together we can compile a great list of ways to chase away the ba humbugs and make this the best holiday season ever.