Gordon Clay here. Whether you're celebrating Eid al-Adha (12/8/08, 11/27/09), Bodhi Day 12/8), Bodhi Day on December 8 or plan to celebrate Las Posadas on the 16th, Winter Solstice on the 21st, Hanukkah on the 22nd, Christmas on the 25th, Kwanzaa on the 26th, the New Year on January 1st, or not celebrating any of them, the holidays can easily become the holi-daze.

What comes up for you around the holidays: Shopping, crowds, financial outlay, forthcoming bills, being single, parents/kids/loved ones not around, loneliness, no one to love, or concerned with hurt and tension at family reunions.

What makes you mad: lack of others concern for others, traffic and crowds? What gets to you?

Know that the little kid inside of you is counting down the days with excitement. What will you do to change your attitude? The following are a few holiday tips:

• Consider the types of gifts you purchase or maybe even make something by hand.
• Look at the holidays in a new light. Spend less time on preparation and more on love and unity with friends and family. Create new traditions.
• Avoid the lines at stores by shopping now.
• Manage your time by making lists with priorities.
• Keep physically active. Exercise at least three times a week.
• Volunteer in your community to help those less fortunate than you during the holiday season. Get a group together to sing at local senior's homes or some other group activity. This will allow you to be involved with people and avoid feeling lonely.

Do this and you'll probably have a lot less stressful holiday. And don't forget to breathe.