With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, holiday stress is on the horizon. The key to controlling holiday stress is understanding its source.

Do you leave everything until the last minute?  Then use the Thanksgiving and Christmas countdowns to prepare a little each week.

Do you overschedule yourself?  If so, you'll need to exercise more discipline with your calendar.  You don't have to go everywhere and do everything.  Prioritize the activities and events that mean the most. 

Do you try to do everything yourself?  Ask for help or use shortcuts, such as prepared party foods or gift wrap services.

Do you hold yourself to an unrealistic standard?  Remember, all the holiday scenes you see on tv are created by teams of experts who have multiple takes to get it right.  Make you and your loved ones happy.  that's all that counts.