***Santa's 7 Holiday Stress-Busting Secrets

It's the most wonderful time of the year... Or so they say. While the end of year holidays are supposed to be a time of peace, love, and joy, it often turns out to be a time of stress, depression and worry -- especially as people struggle to create some "holiday magic" for their friends and ...It's the most wonderful time of the year... Or so they say.

While the end of year holidays are supposed to be a time of peace, love, and joy, it often turns out to be a time of stress, depression and worry -- especially as people struggle to create some "holiday magic" for their friends and families.

Santa Claus, a leading authority on Christmas and the holidays, wants you to know that the holidays don't HAVE to be frustrating and frantic. He has given me permission to share with you his seven favorite stress-busting secrets -- the very techniques he uses -- to help you relax and enjoy the true spirit of the season.

So, laying my finger aside of my nose, here goes...

1. MAKE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE

That's right, it's not just a line from a song... Santa actually sits down each and every day and makes a list of the things he needs to accomplish. The list helps him focus and keeps him from standing around his North Pole workshop trying to figure out what's next.

Put the 2 or 3 most important things at the top of the list -- the things that you absolutely MUST accomplish in a given day -- and the less important ones at the bottom. Then do ONE THING at a time BEFORE you move on to the next one.

2. PUT THE ELVES TO WORK

Ever see Santa at the mall? If so, you probably saw he had a handful of helpers on hand to help him round up the kids, keep them in line (literally and figuratively), and keep things going. Without those helpers, Santa could never do as much as he does in such a short time.

So put your elves and helpers to work. Don't be shy: tell 'em what you need help with, then stand back and let them go!

Not only is it a great way to get a lot of things done quickly, but it's a great way to share time with each other.

3. SAY NO

Sure, Santa specializes in making lots Christmas wishes come true, but not all of them. (If he didn't say "no," every 10-year old boy would find a motorbike beneath his Christmas tree, and every 10-year old girl would find a pony.)

Not even Santa can do everything. And if Santa can't, you can't either.

So say "no" to those holiday parties that stress your schedule. Say "no" to baking another three dozen cookies. And, say "no" to Aunt Sallie's fruitcake.

4. STOP FOR MILK AND COOKIES

Travelling around the world in one a single night, delivering toys to all the girls and boys, is a lot of work. A lot of work. But even then, Santa finds a little time for himself.

It's truly wonderful to do things for other people (see below), but in order to do that, you have to take care of yourself.

Santa eats milk and cookies, and writes an occasional note, and sometimes (yes, I couldn't believe it, either) peeks inside your medicine cabinet.

So find some "fun" time for yourself and put it to good use.

5. SETTLE FOR LESS

Santa learned a long time ago that it is just not possible to be "perfect" 100% of the time. As much as he tries, the occasional screw-ups happen... Like when he knocks over the flowers wheile climbing in through the apartment window, or when he forgets to tighten bolt "D" and Johnnie's handlebars fall off as he takes his first bike ride down the hill.

So, Santa just does the best he can, and if it's not perfect, so be it.

Or, as Santa likes to say, "Imperfect IS perfect!"

6. DO SOMETHING NEW

Rather than doing the same things, year after year, Santa likes to mix things up and try new ideas and new approaches.

Not only does it keep things fun, but it helps him develop new traditions -- like that time he asked a young, awkward, red-nosed reindeer to guide his sleigh one foggy Christmas eve.

7. BE OF GOOD CHEER

Everyone knows that Santa is a right jolly old elf, but do you know why? It's because he CHOOSES to focus on the good things that take place in the holiday season.

So, slow down, breathe deeply, listen to the carols and the sleigh bells, watch the glistening snow fall, laugh with the children playing, and let the spirit of season lift you up.

So let Santa's stress-busting secrets calm you down so you can enjoy the yuletide season even more. With best wishes for a happy holiday season... and a very merry new year!