It is not unusual to feel pressured and on edge about preparing for the holidays, most people concern themselves with the thoughts of what must be done in order to have a proper celebration as well as going about trying to complete all the tasks they've set for themselves.  Often times the thoughts about  the upcoming event and the anticipation are the very elements that cause the stress. Pre-planning is a great tool that works well for those who do it.  Most of us get part of the way through the planning and then procrastinate about the rest of the plan! 

Break down the thing that is causing you the most concern and go about it in smaller steps,
making a list of what you want to accomplish and then taking each item and separating it into more manageable pieces.  Shopping, for instance, can be done in person or on the Internet. Maybe some of it could be delegated to a friend or spouse who is planning to be doing a bit of shopping of their own.  Break down the amount of time you are spending out into several 2 or 3 hour segments instead of going for hours on end, and feeling tired and disgusted at the thought of picking up one more thing!

Believe in your ability to make it happen and trust that it will all work out.  Realize that nothing will come to a hault if things fail to go exactly the way you pictured that they should. Remember, you do not have to do it all unless you choose to do so!  If you do, be sure to let everyone else off the hook!  Ask for help if you need it and know that you can maintain your peace, it's your decision!  Have it your way!

Being grateful is a practice of successful people.  Nothing is a given even though we take for granted that just our very existence entitles us to whatever is available.  Be thankful for the life you live, and the people who inhabit that life along with you.  Take time to thank God for who you are, and what you are and what you are yet to become.  Gratitude Rocks!  Look around and be grateful for all that makes up your life, being truly excited to have the opportunity everyday, to get up and start again.