So here we are coming to the end of another year. Traditionally approaching the end of the year signifies the season of multiple holidays, holiday parties, and increased shopping. This "Most wonderful time of the year" evokes so much pressure to spend, spend, spend!

Add this pressure to your normal holiday activities and expectations and you may find yourself over-loaded with stress! So many of us struggle with it, especially during this time of the year, due to issues such as:

• What’s the best way to entertain our holiday guests?
• Do I have the perfect holiday centerpiece and table settings?
• Are we traveling to the in-laws again this year?
• Am I going to eat too much (again) and ruin my figure or make it worse?
• Do I really want to attend the annual office holiday party? If so, should I take a date?
• Should I buy gifts for all of my close family and friends?

Completing all of these tasks successfully while trying to please everyone and maintain your sanity can be a big task. But it doesn’t have to be! You CAN survive the holidays and even do it with a smile! Here are a few recommendations:

• $hare the load! Partner with a family member or friend and have a holiday potluck dinner. This is beneficial to cut financial costs, reduce cooking time, and promote teamwork amongst your family and friends.

• Don 't worry about it, delegate it! Don't know which centerpiece or table setting to choose? No problem! Ask a friend or family member with a little flair for creativity to do it for you. They will appreciate the challenge as well as the chance to show-off their decorating skills.

• The "Half-time tradition." Don't want to spend all day at the in-laws? Don't! Create a new tradition such as volunteering at a soup kitchen or visiting a nursing home. Either of these good deeds will give you an excuse to spend part of your day (or half of the time) elsewhere. Besides, you'll feel better knowing you helped those in need and they'll love the help and company.

• If you gotta have it, then have it! Can't say no to Aunt Betty's special pie? Don't! Eat it and enjoy every bit of it. Live in the moment. Just be sure to plan ahead for the days leading up to and after your big event. Do an extra workout before and after, or cut-down on the sweets during the week of your party. Plan ahead now so you can enjoy that pie later.

• Attend the party and take a date! By having a date, you can place the blame on them if you decide you want to leave early. Regretfully inform key co-workers that you have to depart early because your date has an office party that you all must attend as well. And don't forget to acknowledge your boss while you're there. You definitely want to get "credit" for your attendance!

• Time Coupons. Instead of buying gifts this season, give coupons. Create coupons of your time to help your loved ones with needed or deserved tasks such as: babysitting, walking the dog, cooking, or sex tickets for your partner. These coupons can be used for your time and services instead of buying a traditional gift.

Know some secrets of your own for surviving the holidays? We'd love to hear 'em in the comments below!