Stress during the holiday season is inevitable, but there are ways to help reduce stress to make the holidays be more enjoyable.

One of those ways, Extension Human Science Specialist Dr. David Brown says, is making a budget and sticking to it when you’re Christmas shopping.

“What we also do sometimes is we get a little board in our spending. And that means, we’re going to be much more stressed in January or following the holidays when that credit card bill is here. So we have put together a budget for our spending at Christmas and make sure you don’t go over that, so you’re not facing some financial difficulties when you get through that.”

Brown points out that if you are having a hard time shopping for someone, to just ask that individual what they would like for Christmas. He adds that it might spoil some of the surprise, but it can also help reduce stress during the holidays as well.