Snowflakes, twinkle lights, seasonal lattes. Sigh. Let’s face it: this time of year, we’re all just a little bit enchanted by the holiday magic unfolding around us – for about a day. Then comes the stress of finding the perfect gift, the sleep deprivation (courtesy of a surplus of eggnog martinis at the office party), the holiday-specific weight gain…

Before you have a ho-ho-holiday meltdown, try one of these stress-busting remedies to keep your sanity (and festive cheer) intact.

Opt for a specialty pedicure. Be honest. After a long day of shopping, what sounds better than an indulgent pedi? A hot-chocolate pedicure, that’s what. Not only is this a great way to unwind, it’s also more or less the only way to satisfy dessert cravings, sans guilt.

Try a DIY hair treatment. All of that blow-drying and styling may make for a pretty holiday photo, but the end result could be perpetually frazzled locks. Instead of trying to consolidate all of your Thanksgiving leftovers into a potluck casserole, turn them into a rejuvenating beauty treatment for your scalp instead. Pumpkin hair mask? Please and thank you.

Switch up your workout routine. When your endless to-dos stretch longer than Santa’s naughty-or-nice list, exercising can seem less than appealing. Make your holiday workout more fun than obligatory this season. Been meaning to try hip-hop yoga? Zumba? Go for it. Exercise is so much better when it treads into dance party territory.

Cut corners. Stress eating runs rampant during the holidays – so employ little tricks to avoid putting on additional pounds this season. At your next dinner party, fill a small plate with food instead of indulging in larger portions. Skip your morning latte and opt for a cup of black coffee with half-and-half instead. If you feel a sugar craving coming on, pick up a mini-sized desert – they’re cuter anyway.

By Lauryn Paiva, Staff Writer

What are your tips for keeping calm during the holidays? Share them in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

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