Another Year-End Bonus

They come at the same time every year, yet still the holidays knock us out every time the calendar pages dwindle down to two. Our gift to you: some strategies to cope.

When gift giving, keep it simple. Ask friends and family what they would like, rather than seeking the perfect gift. Shop online for prime convenience, and avoid high traffic areas at peak times.

Spread good chores. Ask others to take part in holiday planning by bringing their favorite dish to a meal. Assign family members to pitch in with specific household tasks. Remember, even Santa has an army of helpers.

Don't leave your friends out in the cold. Remember that interacting with people is often the most satisfying part of the holidays. Surround yourself with your most supportive friends. Connect with others while waiting in line. Let go of the need to celebrate on the holiday: Make plans to see some family after the new year.

Celebrate relaxation. Don't temporarily give up your spin class or your monthly massage just because other things clamor for a spot in your datebook. Keeping a consistent routine will help you accomplish more and stay positive.

The First No-all. Finding the spirit of the season can be hard if you've recently lost someone. Instead of reliving memories, which may be painful right now, consider taking a holiday vacation with friends or family or creating new traditions this year. But don't put too much pressure on yourself to "get over it"-it's OK to feel sad for a while.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas. We all like to do things big. But sometimes the saner choice is to simplify. Don't overfill your family's calendar with obligations. Instead, build in time for just hanging out. Try serving simple, high-quality meals rather than one elaborate feast.