by: Sarah C Ilumin

But is it, really? By the time Christmas rolls around, most of us are fatigued from the daily demands of life (work, family,school), errands, holiday parties, and the pressure of finding gifts for our loved ones.

It's no surprise how this season can leave us feeling more stressed out than magical. Social interactions begin to feel more burdensome than fulfilling, especially when we're inundated with a growing to-do list, and when we're just not in the right frame of mind.

Because c'mon - who wants to go around feeling like the Grinch instead of Buddy the Elf??? Surely, we'd all like to enjoy the holiday season the way it was meant to be celebrated - that feeling of warmth, joy, and cheer, as we're surrounded by those that we love.

How do you make that happen, you ask? Well, first thing's first, begin by adopting a present - and I don't mean the gifting kind, but more like presence - mindset. (It is downright crucial during this hectic time.) Focusing on one thing at a time, and being present in the moment is key to helping alleviate stress.

Second, slow down. Really. Even for a few minutes. Trust me on this. Take a moment to focus on your breathing. Slowly take a breath in, then release and exhale even more slowly. You can try inhaling for a count of two and exhaling for a count of 4, inhaling for a count of three and exhaling for a count of 6. Find a pace that is comfortable for you and repeat this as many times as necessary until you feel yourself slowly loosening at the shoulders, unclenching your jaw, and removing your tongue from the roof of your mouth (bet you didn't even realize you were doing these things, did you?)

Third, slow down with your "yes." You don't have to oblige to every whim that's asked of you, nor do you have to be at every event you're invited to if it means costing you your peace of mind. All the presents in the world won't matter, nor will any get-togethers mean much if you're not present in the moment to appreciate and enjoy all there is in front of you.

So here's to you and your kin... wishing that your hearts and home abound with the wonder and the magic the holiday season brings, and that indeed, this does become the most wonderful time of the year.

Asking for help can be hard. If you're having thoughts of suicide, please know that you are not alone. There is help available. Call the distress hotline at 408-HELP. They provide telephone support to individuals who are at risk and the most vulnerable. Highly-trained volunteer responders (with the support of professional staff) connect with callers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.