How to Have the Best Christmas Ever ...

It's fun to shop for the people on your list, but getting those credit card bills in January can be quite painful. Instead of digging yourself into a hole, make a budget and stick to it. Don't spend more than you can afford and take the time to choose meaningful gifts that don't force you to overspend. The holidays can still be wonderful with a budget so make it the best one ever by not spending more than you should.

When you dread the holidays and assume that they'll be stressful and less than pleasant, chances are that your mindset will make them that way. Instead, expect only the best from Christmas this year and you may notice that things are great, even if you are busy and a little bit stressed out about getting everything done.

There are a lot of expectations surrounding Christmas. From making homemade candy and cookies to making an appearance at parties to buying your kids the expensive gifts on their list. It doesn't have to be this way. Decide what holiday activities and traditions mean the most to you and your family and skip the rest. That might mean buying premade cookies for the office party or skipping invites from acquaintances, but you'll be so much happier.

If you're hosting a holiday party, it can be tempting to create a perfect home to present to your guests. Forget about that. The people who are coming to your soiree care about being with you and celebrating the holidays, not whether your door frames have dust on them or not. Clean and tidy up, but don't make yourself crazy trying to do things that no one will even notice. Turn down the lights and turn up the candles and you're good to go.

You can't choose your family and there may be members who you don't really care for. Instead of letting them ruin your season, accept that they are who they are and move on. Try to enjoy their quirks this year and you'll be a whole lot happier with Christmas than if you stew and seethe about how much they irritate you.

It's always exciting to try new things and if Christmas is the same old, same old, you might find that shaking things up will turn this one into the best one ever. Maybe you skip the usual parties and take a week away to go skiing and share the day with your partner and kids instead of the entire family. Maybe you have lunch instead of dinner so that you can spend the evening relaxing in the glow of your Christmas lights. Whatever it is, jazz up the holiday and it will definitely be one to remember.

Most people will tell you that giving to others makes a holiday more meaningful. Try serving a meal to the homeless, volunteering to wrap presents for needy kids or going to church with your neighbors this year. These small tasks might not seem like much to you, but they mean the world to the person the receiving end.

How do you make your Christmas holidays memorable? Will you try any of these ideas this year?