It's easy to get caught up in the trappings of Christmas ... with what we are told is important or makes it "perfect". 

 Get your own priorities clear first. 

• How do you want to feel and what do you want to remember once the Christmas mayhem is over? 

• What are you most likely to miss or regret if they don't happen?

• Then work backwards from there.. what should you focus on?  What is just "nice to have"?  What is actually belongs in someone else's Christmas?

By starting with the events, people and things that are important to us, the things that make our "meaningful Christmas", the emotional part of our brains won't feel ignored/bullied and will be less likely to trigger a "threat" or stress response.

Not only will we be more likely to do these things but we are more likely to recognise their true value vs some of the most "instant gratification" or material aspects of the season.

These can be simple things (a particular song or movie), traditions (carols, a family game or recipe), people (neighbour drinks, a phone call with someone absent,..). 

For example, for a few  years now my parents have provided the "must have" board game ("pie face", "exploding kittens",...)  They wont be in the same city as us this year, so have sent a game for us. 

And if there are a group of you, ask each person to suggest one thing that means a lot to them or represents Christmas for them (ask to avoid disappointment... no one is a mind reader!)

As you add things, and the diary or list fills up be aware of how much energy each takes and what capacity that leaves you with. Hopefully this will make it easier to say "no" to things and leave enough physical and mental energy to enjoy the festivities!