With Christmas just around the corner, is your to-do list starting to overflow? It may include decorating the house, buying "perfect" presents, sending cards, shopping, and cooking favorite family recipes? Not to mention volunteering or doing special good deeds for family and friends. While all of these things are admirable goals to accomplish, they may leave you feeling run down and disappointed during the holiday season. 

The season is full of joy and beauty but pressure to create the ideal celebration can lead to anxiety, stress and burnout. So, include yourself on the gift list this year. Pamper yourself by trying the following tips recommended by local businesses and health experts to de-stress this holiday season.   

• Ask for help. If you can't do it all by yourself, recruit friends or family members to assist. Cut back on all of the activities so you can really enjoy what you do and not be stressed about other things.
• Take a 10-minute walk in your neighborhood during the marathon greeting card writing or other monotonous task. This could be the pick-me-up you need to pull you through the rest of your busy day.
• Reward yourself after you accomplish an essential task. For example, treat yourself to a manicure after wrapping all the gifts. Since your hands work overtime during the holidays, they are going to need it! Not only will you feel pampered but also your nails will look beautiful for a holiday party.
• Take time out for tea. A warm cup of chamomile tea will help relax you. Check out the festive varieties at Baltimore Coffee & Tea Company on Bestgate Road. Or head to your favorite coffee shop, such as Caffe Pronto at Festival at Riva, for a cup of specialty coffee. Just make sure it is the decaffeinated version!
• After a long day of shopping, head for your bathtub! Spend some time soaking in a warm and quiet bath. Build a fire and cuddle up with a loved one.
• If peace and quiet is hard to come by in your house, go to bed earlier than usual. You can't look or feel your cheeriest come Christmas Eve if you're wiped out.
• Buying gifts for everyone can get expensive (and challenging). Start a new tradition of drawing names for extended family members or give couple/group/family gifts. 
• Instead of searching the mall, shop at local stores in your neighborhood. You will not have to deal with the big box store parking lots and can feel good that you are helping small businesses.
• Shop online while watching Miracle on 34^th Street and cuddle up in your warm robe.
• When you are out buying the perfect spa gift card for your best friend, pamper yourself with a facial or massage at the new Massage Envy Spa at Festival at Riva.

Lastly, take a moment to enjoy the simple pleasures of the seasons. Stay healthy this holiday season by finding time to relax. The better you feel, the happier your holidays will be this year.

For more holiday stories on Greater Annapolis Patch, click here.