6 tips if you're feeling more frustrated than festive this Christmas

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- It's supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but for many, the holidays can be anything but. If you're battling the holiday blues, seasonal stress, and are feeling more frustrated than festive, here are some tips to get back on track:

-Still getting gifts? Don't go broke! It's the thought that counts

-Have multiple invitations for Christmas or New Year's Eve? Learn to say no to some invitations and requests. Set boundaries, especially with your kids.

-Worried about last minute gift-getting, wrapping, cleaning and cooking? Take breaks!

-Don't expect things to be "perfect," focus on the reason for the season (family, religion, etc.)

-Why cook if it's causing anxiety? Try ordering in or going out to buy yourself more time.

-Worried about "family drama" at the dinner table? Let old feuds go, or at least agree to a "truce" at the table and avoid past conflicts.

Tips courtesy C. Nicole Swiner, MD, author of "How to Avoid the Superwoman Complex. For more advice on avoiding holiday stress, check out her latest blog entry: https://docswiner.wordpress.com/2015/11/22/holiday-stress-tis-the-season/

She's also hosting an upcoming conference called "New Year, New You," focusing on helping women improve their mental, physical and emotional health. For more on this event: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/docswiner-presents-new-yearnew-you-conference-sponsored-by-durham-family-medicine-dr-melva-and-tickets-19385887712