Observe with a light spirit. The holiday season seems to bring out the best in some, the worst in others, and the full range of experience for everyone else in-between. Consider using this time as an opportunity to observe others with a light spirit, rather than judgement. You’re guaranteed to enjoy the holidays (and everyone else around you) a lot more if you do.

Move mindfully. As you move from place-to-place this holiday season, treat the journey as a walking, sitting or driving meditation. Look at the lights, listen to the sounds, feel the air and notice the smells. Keep a mindful pace by being in the moment as you move.

Notice the joy. Look for and pay attention to the joy, it is the very essence of the holiday season. If you’re not finding any, why not create some for others? You are bound to see it then.

Stop and observe yourself. When you are feeling stress or your mind is on overdrive during holiday prep, the first thing you can do is to NOTICE how you are feeling without any judgement.  Now choose, what are you going to do next? Continue as you were, or adjust?  Relax your shoulders, lengthen your exhale, relax your jaw and choose a different outlook to go forward. (“Everything important will get done.” “One thing at a time.”)