In a perfect world, the holidays would be full of good cheer, and only good cheer. 

In reality, the extra-hectic schedule, expectations and desire to please others that tend to come with the season can lead to a less festive emotional state. 

This year, make a plan for lower-stress, higher-happiness holidays with these tips from mental health and wellness professionals.

Although touted as the merriest and brightest of seasons, winter holidays, for me, can also deliver a dread and terror that’s more synonymous with Halloween. More specifically, it's the obligatory festive gatherings with family that often places me in the line of conversational fire. No matter how mentally prepared I arrive, I always seem to find myself fielding awkward questions that almost always pertain to my age and perpetual singleness.