Ways to Simplify The Holidays

(NewsUSA) - Putting together the perfect celebration can feel like a chore, but there's no reason that you can't hold your holiday party and enjoy it, too.

Here are some tips for stressed-out Americans hoping to relax this holiday season:

- Determine your priorities. With holiday invitations rushing out, RSVPs coming in and visits with relatives filling up your calendar, it's easy to become overwhelmed. If thoughts of caroling, baking, partying, shopping, volunteering, wrapping and traveling incite migraines, you might want to cut back on activities. Picking one or two events or traditions that you thoroughly enjoy will free up your schedule and let you enjoy the celebrations.

- Stop stressing about the holiday dinner. Getting together for the holidays is about the company, not five-star food. Plan your dinner ahead of time. Reduce the number of side dishes -; two vegetable dishes and some rolls will perfectly accompany your main dish.

If cooking's really going to stress you out, why not avoid preparing the holiday meal altogether? Catering your holiday meal means all of the satisfaction but none of the stress. Omaha Steaks (www.omahasteaks.com), for example, offers complete meal packages, including steaks, seafood, appetizers and desserts. The entrees come with gourmet sides, like potatoes au gratin, pepper jack risotto cakes and asparagus with hollandaise sauce, so you can enjoy an elegant holiday meal without slaving away in the kitchen.

- Plan your holiday shopping. No matter how early you start shopping, you always wind up scrambling for a last-minute gift. But finding that perfect something doesn't have to mean pushing through lines or credit card debt. Make yourself a cup of cocoa, then sit down at a computer. Shopping online can prove fast, easy and simple. You can have packages gift-wrapped and shipped directly to their recipients. Shopping online can also help you avoid state taxes, helping ease your wallet's holiday burden.

"Article By: NewsUSA"