To get ready for Christmas, do a little less

So much to do, so little time.

With Christmas only six days away, many of us are scrambling to get everything done in time.

School programs, church services, family gatherings, office parties -- as enjoyable as they all may be, they all create demands on our time and carry expectations.

No wonder the holidays can be stressful for parents and children.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services offers some tips to make the holidays more enjoyable:

- Communicate effectively. Unspoken anxieties create unnecessary stress. Make a conscious effort to listen to each other and express your feelings as honestly and constructively as possible.

- Get out and play. Young children especially need to get out of the house for regular full-body exercise to work off stress. Adults will benefit, too.

- A gift is a gift. People are more interested in knowing that you thought about them and tried to make their holiday special than in receiving "the perfect gift."

- Have a good laugh or a good cry. Laughter and tears can help release tension. Can you say "It's A Wonderful Life"?

- Volunteer. Teens who have a lot of time on their hands and lots of extra energy can find satisfaction in helping out at homeless shelters or other charitable organizations. It will help boost their holiday spirit and ease the anxiety of parents who must leave their teenagers at home while they are at work.

- Treat yourself nice. Negative self-talk can add to an already stressful situation. If guests arrive and you realize you have forgotten some items at the supermarket, don't think "Everything is ruined!" Instead, ask yourself "Is this going to be a crisis next week?"

- Know when to say no. Stick the word "no" on your phone if you are prone to say "yes" to every request for your time. What your family and children really want most is to spend time with you.