The holidays are approaching, and I have a million things on my to-do-list.

Having a large family is such a blessing, but with it comes many gifts to buy and mouths to feed.

And although I enjoy decorating and preparing for everyone, if I were to be completely honest, it also causes me a bit of stress.

I am one of those persons that some would call a perfectionist, and at Christmas time, this character defect roars. Just ask hubby!

Trying to do my million and one things in addition to the normal everyday ebb and flow of life can send me into a grand tizzy, and afterwards everyone is the worse for wear.

But oddly enough there have been times I try to get those around me to give me a pass for my bad behavior since I know I don’t own the exclusive rights to holiday meltdowns.

I mean, who hasn’t seen a tantrum on the toy isle?

OK, so I am willing to acknowledge that I may have a slight problem when it comes to keeping my emotions in check during the holidays, but what’s a girl to do?

Luckily, livelytable.com had seven tips I could consider, and the first one was aimed directly at me. Let go of the idea of perfection.

The website states, “The sooner you realize that perfect does not exist, the better.” Therefore, when my Christmas tree has fewer lights than I had envisioned or I run out of time to bake cookies for friends, I need to understand that’s life. I also need to remember no one else has everything turning out perfectly, either.

So in the words of Elsa, the website states, “Let it go” because less worry about perfection means less stress.

Secondly, embrace saying “No.”

The website suggests that before your calendar gets filled up, realize you can only do so much.

“Pick and choose what events are important to you, and which ones you can stand to miss out on if you’re just too tired. Declining politely will suffice, you don’t even have to give a reason,” the website states, “Just say ‘no’ and stick with your decision without feeling bad. People understand that everyone is busy this time of year.”

And because I am not Super Woman, the website suggests enlisting some help.

“Nobody can do everything by themselves, so when family or friends offer to help, graciously accept,” the website suggests.

I feel certain my family members would be willing to help out if I were to just ask, and like the website states, “There is no shame in needing help, during the holidays or anytime.”

Rounding out the lists are a few more tips including never try to attempt dieting during the holidays, get ahead of the ball game by doing as much as you can early, carve out time for yourself (like taking a bath or waking up five minutes early to have a cup of coffee alone), and finally, remember what the season is about.

“When you are tempted to freak out at the jerk who took your parking spot,” the website states, “Remember that the holidays aren’t about gifts or lights or the perfect party dress. They’re about celebrating something special with loved ones.”

I think this sounds like a pretty good list to try to embrace, and it is probably a heck of lot healthier than my original to-do-list.

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer at The Vicksburg Post. Readers are invited to submit their opinions for publication.