I'm a mania risk during the holidays. I just get too excited and revved up. We may have different issues, but here's what is important to me.

1. I shorten the days I celebrate Christmas. I start after Thanksgiving. Nothing before.
2. I focus on the spiritual aspects (doesn't have to be Christian)
3. I limit my intake of Christmas food, movies, and music.

Gift giving is stressful to me because I run the budget in my house. My wife is a generous giver, and wants everyone to have a present all the way down to the cousins and coworkers. If it were up to me, only the children would get presents. I really don't want anything. I really just want the presence of the people I love.

I work as a music director for a church, and the Christmas season is busy for my program. I don't really find peace there anymore. I find it in meditation and walks and reading on my own.

I hope you find peace and wellness this season.