There’s stress, and then there’s holiday stress. The crushing dread of not having enough time to do things and too many things to do. Basically, regular stress, just wrapped in tinsel and gingerbread. And that persistent, cloying festive cheer being shoved down your throat and the grating music being blasted from every speaker. How are you supposed to survive this and somehow enjoy the holidays?

Well, I’ve done my best to gather some no-nonsense tips on how to handle holidays stress without any attempts at pop psychology or telling you to just get over it. At least, that’s what they’re supposed to be.

STEP 1: GIFTS

1. Buy any gifts in advance

a. Okay, the time to do this has probably passed since you’re reading this article, but it takes a huge burden off of your mind to have all gifts wrapped and ready to go before the holiday season even rolls around. This doesn’t mean you should start gift shopping in June (you could), though. Getting started in November gives you plenty of time already.

2. Don’t go gift shopping alone

a. Take someone else with you to give you some pointers on whatever you’re planning on buying. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to take the recipient with you, or even anyone who knows them: just someone who can give a second opinion. Also, trying to justify your choice of a gift is a good way to really evaluate whether it’s the right one.

3. Just ask

a. And I don’t mean asking for a wishlist or anything like that. There’s nothing wrong with calling someone up and simply asking whether they’d like a box set of The Lord of The Rings or not. Now, some people might disagree on this piece of advice, but I’d rather take no surprise over something I didn’t really want.

4. Don’t buy gifts at all

a. Shocking, I know, but how about agreeing to not buy each other gifts? It’s economic, saves the environment and your nerves. A real win-win if you’re of the less-is-more persuasion.

STEP 2: THE CHRISTMAS CHAOS

1. Stay at home during the weekends

a. The weekends tend to be when everyone, their grandma, and their extra-wide strollers decide to go Christmas shopping. Avoid the human crush by shopping on weekdays, preferably as early as possible.

2. Plan in advance

a. If you still need to go out into the holiday rush, make sure you know exactly where you’re going and what you’re going to do instead of aimlessly running around. Make a battle plan, check to see if what you want is still in stock and try not to get sidetracked.

3. Earplugs or earphones

a. Escape the horrors of Christmas music, crowds, and advertisements by either shutting out the sound or drowning it under something less terrible. Take that, Jingle Bell Rock.

STEP 3: THE SOCIAL PRESSURE

1. Be honest

a. If you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable, it might be better to just get it out in the open. There’s nothing wrong with not wanting to do the whole festive shebang or at least not wanting constant exposition to it, and your friends and family should understand.

2. Delegate

a. If your holiday stress is caused by being the only one ever doing any related work such as cooking, decorating or cleaning, delegate the tasks to your friends or family with a reminder that if they won’t do it, no one will.

3. This too shall pass

a. Remember this one, it’s important. The holidays are only part of the year and while sometimes it feels the onslaught of advertisements, music and bright, flashing lights is eternal, it isn’t. Try to relax and enjoy the season with your friends and family and remember that even though it might feel the stress is eternal, it isn't.