Each year we read article after article about people searching for simpler, less stressful ways of celebrating the holidays. Once we're into the swing of the season, it can be challenging--if not impossible--to follow recommendations for simplifying our celebrations. However, thinking about ways of simplifying the holidays now, before the season begins, can give us the time to put ideas into practice.

Think about the most stressful parts of the holidays for you. Perhaps buying gifts for a large family and several friends is a financial strain, or perhaps preparing large holiday meals is a task that always seems to fall to you and you alone.

Once you've identified what's stressful for you, think of ways you can help alleviate that stress. For example, if you're overwhelmed by having to buy dozens of gifts, consider alternate ways of sharing the season with family and friends; for example, you might try drawing names from a hat so each person in your family only buys for one other person, rather than the whole clan.

Don't dismiss ideas you come up with because they seem too farfetched or unlikely to work; with some modifications and customizations, they may be exactly the solution you're looking for.

Share your ideas with others
Once you've come up with ideas that can help make the holiday season less chaotic for you, share those ideas with the people who join you in your celebrations, and explain why you're looking to simplify.

For example, if you're normally in charge of cooking a large Thanksgiving dinner for a large group, you might let others know that you've decided to make it a potluck meal; you'll take care of the turkey, and others can sign up to bring a dish or two. Explain that you want to be able to spend more time with your guests, rather than hiding out in the kitchen all day.

If you usually share holiday gifts with a broad group of friends and acquaintances but are finding your house cluttered with all of the well-intentioned gifts you receive but don't use and your wallet straining after you've shopped for everyone else, you might propose an alternative: everyone gets together for a special outing--such as dinner at a nice restaurant, a day at a sporting event, or an afternoon at a spa--rather than exchanging gifts. Let your friends know that sharing an experience will let you all enjoy one another's company and avoid the mad dash to buy gifts.

Some friends and family members may be quick to latch on to your ideas, and others may be fairly reluctant. Remember that it can be difficult for people to change traditional ways of celebrating, and be willing to accept some minor modifications to your plans so that they feel comfortable for all involved.

Stick to it
Right now, before the holidays start entering our lives and our calendars with full force, take a few minutes to write down what your ideal celebrations would look and feel like. They might be radically simplified from previous years, or they might involve just a few shortcuts or changes to help make them less stressful. Focus on what would let you enjoy the holidays--and the people you celebrate them with--the most.

When you have a list you're happy with, keep it someplace you'll be able to refer to it often (perhaps posted on a bulletin board or the fridge, clipped to the inside cover of your day planner, or as a file on your computer desktop or PDA). Make a promise to yourself that you'll do what you can to make your ideal celebrations happen, and stick to that promise as you start planning and preparing for the holidays.

It may be too early to haul out the holiday cards, decorations, and recipes, but it's the perfect time to start thinking of ways of cutting holiday stress and clutter while exponentially increasing holiday enjoyment.