The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but they can also be a time of stress and anxiety for many people.

Millions of people feel stressed out during the holiday season. The more intentional you are with these resolutions, the easier it will be to create a more joyful holiday season!

Here are eight tips for handling holiday stress.

1. Reflect on what's essential in life.

The holidays can be a time of stress and anxiety because there are so many things to do and so much pressure to have a perfect holiday. One way to reduce the focus is to take some time to reflect on what's essential in life. What are your values and priorities? What are you most grateful for? When you take the time to think about these things, it will help you to focus on what's important and put less pressure on yourself.

2. Try new foods.

The holidays are a time of celebration, and what better way to celebrate than by trying new foods? Whether you're sampling different dishes at a potluck or cooking up something new in your kitchen, it's always fun to try something new. Cooking is also a great way to get in the holiday spirit, so if you're feeling tired of cooking your usual dishes, twist this time-honored tradition - you might find that you enjoy it more than ever!

3. Celebrate different traditions with family or friends.

One of the great things about the holidays is that there are many different ways to celebrate. You can spend time with family members or volunteer at a soup kitchen, attend religious services, go caroling, watch classic films, or pop in a holiday video for the kids. The important thing is not to do everything - choosing a few activities and focusing on those will reduce your holiday stress.

4. Prioritize your physical health.

If you're stressed, it's easy to neglect your physical health - but this is just going to add more stress if you don't take care of yourself! Exercise and get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water, and make time for relaxation. As you take care of yourself physically, you'll feel more energized and better equipped to handle all the holiday has to offer.

5. Accept your emotions.

It's normal to feel a little sad or lonely around the holidays - a time devoted to the family can bring up memories of loved ones who have passed away or moved far away. If you find yourself being overwhelmed by your emotions, accept them. Don't try to fight them or push them out - just let yourself feel what you feel and know that it's okay.

6. Remember what the holidays are really about.

The holiday season can be fun, but it's important not to lose sight of why we celebrate - remembering the true meaning of Christmas or Hanukkah can help you stay focused and grateful for all that we have.

7. Smile and laugh as much as possible.

Sometimes it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the holidays, but there's one thing that never fails: a smile and a good laugh! Try making time to watch a funny video or visit with friends who will make you laugh. Not only will this bring joy to you, but it may have the added benefit of making your loved ones feel special too!

8. Don't let perfectionism get the best of you.

If your holiday stress is due to perfectionism, remember that perfection doesn't exist - and trying to be perfect is impossible. Instead of focusing on achieving unrealistic expectations, let go of the pressure you place on yourself - it's okay if your cookies aren't cut into the perfect shapes!

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9. Prioritize yourself and take care of your mental health.

It can be easy to put an extra focus on your family and not yourself during the holidays, but this can be harmful to you and your loved ones. Try scheduling time to do things that make you happy - whether that's working on a new hobby or watching a favorite movie. It will help reduce holiday stress and improve mood!

10. Have fun while celebrating.

Above all else, have fun! The holidays are a particular time, so take the time to celebrate and be merry.