Simple, but effective ways to handle the holidays

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's called "the most wonderful time of year", but the holidays can be stressful with all the shopping, cooking, decorating and entertaining, you have to do. But you can find relief.

The holidays are supposed to be happy, but they're often hectic. Yadi Alfaro of Clovis gets a familiar feeling every December. "Christmas is stressful now. I think we've lost the actual meaning of it."

Kim Jackson-Massaro helps people deal with that stress. As a licensed clinical social worker at Kaiser Permanente in Fresno, her office gets busier during this time of year. She says keeping a small box of stress management tools handy can help. "It's really about stopping and taking a break and giving yourself a chance to let that stress go for the moment."

Squeezing a stress ball can give you a mental and physical break from work or the holiday rush. Kim also says a small treat like chocolate or even aromatherapy oils can give you moments of relaxation. But she says the most important stress-reducer is to keep focused on your priorities such as quality family time or staying on a spending budget so you don't sweat the rest.

And it doesn't have to be perfect. "Some of the most joyful things that happen at Christmas time are imperfect. The best memories that your kids might have when they get older is when the turkey was beautiful on the outside and frozen on the inside," said Jackson-Massaro.

Making memories is the focus for Kristina Gardanier of Fresno, who tries to keep her family focused on what matters to them. "Just remembering what we're celebrating, the birth of Christ and family."

Finding what works for you to relieve stress during the holidays can help you long after the Christmas tree comes down and that has real health benefits for a lifetime. "Making sure that you're taking care of your body, eating a good diet, resting well, are all really important benefits," said Jackson-Massaro.

A recipe for a happy and healthy holiday.