It is the time of the year when we have all these lovely holidays just round the corner. The time of the year when we get together with friends and family to share the cheer and joy. But with the holidays comes the stress of organizing, planning and attending parties. Getting through the store aisles can be daunting with a lot of last-minute shopping taking place.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while getting ready for the fun days ahead.

• Plan ahead: A lot of store sales happen during random times in a year. Plan on buying gifts when discounts and coupons are available. You will not only save money, but you will also be able to score the best items before they go out of stock. Budgeting for the holiday season is another great way to minimize overspending.
• Host a potluck: Potluck is a great way to experience a variety of dishes prepared by guests. It saves the stress of cooking an entire meal for a get together, not to forget the clean up after cooking multiple dishes.
• Shop online: There is nothing like the convenience of sitting at home and shopping for gifts online. The items can be shipped directly to the destination saving the hassle of venturing out in the cold weather and standing in long lines at the counter. Some stores offer the option for gift packaging as well. Most stores offer e-gift card options as well allowing the recipient to utilize the gift card as preferred.
• Maintain healthy habits: It is no hidden fact that we gain calories with all the extra rich food we get to enjoy during the holiday season. It is important to get adequate sleep and keep exercising regularly to keep your health in check.
• Ask for help: Shopping for gifts and groceries can get exhausting as the holidays get closer. Never hesitate to ask for help from family members and friends if it gets overwhelming at any point of time.

 So keep your stress at bay with these helpful pointers and choose to spread the happiness and goodness while celebrating the holiday spirit.