Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Winter 2005)

Like so many of us, do you get caught up in the hectic holiday season feeling overbooked, overextended and stressed?

Well, join the club. But, the experts say, it doesn’t need to be that way. Here are some tips for saying “no” nicely, when you find yourself approaching overload:

• “Let me consult our calendar and get back to you.”

• “That sounds good but I am really booked.”

• “Can we do something after the holidays?”

• “We are getting back to basics and sending fewer cards, exchanging fewer presents, and spending more time with simple everyday activities that we treasure so much but often are too busy to enjoy.”

• “This year we’re trying something different and going away for the holidays,” or “We’re trying something different and staying home for the holidays.”

Source: Barbara Wetzel, licensed marriage and family therapist