Want to have more ho-ho-ho moments this ho-liday season? The knowledgeable people at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota suggest you be aware of and plan ahead to avoid things that trigger stress.

With this in mind, ChicMom.com serves up a Top 10 recipe for a happier holiday season.

10. Simplify. Simplify. Expense and extravagance are not essential for a joyous holiday. What does pay off is time well spent with the people you love. Make your holiday tasks more manageable. Start early. Decorate only what gives you pleasure. When it’s time for guests to arrive, your work is done even if you’re not finished. Only you’ll know what hasn’t been done the way you planned it.

9. Be realistic. Don’t expect their home, dinner, and the kids to be greeting card perfect. Focus on the things that matter. Focus on what REALLY is important to you. Learn to cherish the imperfections.

One year I cleaned every corner of my house. Just before my guests arrived, the toilet overflowed. I greeted them in a pair of old blue jeans rolled up to my knees, and a mop in one hand. I had two choices — laugh about it or cry.

8. Budget. Money and time are both precious commodities. Make a plan for the long haul. Avoid the January sticker shock. Set a budget before you shop then start making purchases. Wrap them now, but keep a list to avoid redundancy. You’ll avoid crowds and all the holiday “must dos” that pile up as the holidays approach. Take advantage of sales on non-perishable goods. Cook what you can early and freeze.

7. Delegate. Since holidays are for friends and family, ask them for help. Let them know a pot luck dinner means, “No one can make that dish like you do!” Don’t hesitate to purchase food from a restaurant.

Give your family, and, yes, the guests some ownership of the holiday. My sister’s favorite is to put a note under everyone’s dinner plate. Her kids are asked to clear the table, her hubby does the dishes, and Aunt Annie serves her apple pie.

6. Banish selfishness. What is more precious than giving of oneself? Encourage your kids to make a list and let them fulfill it. They can hand make gifts, design coupons for chores like shoveling the sidewalk, and promise granny they’ll call her once a week.

Another selfless gift is to donate to a charity in the name of a friend or family member. Choose one that would be meaningful to them.

5. Embrace change. Let go of holiday traditions that cause you stress. Consider starting traditions that meet the demands of your lifestyle.

4. Just say ‘NO.’ Don’t over schedule yourself. Say ‘No.’ Stress inevitably comes from having too much to do.

3. Eat, sleep and be merry. Go ahead eat. Every body’s got to eat. Just don’t overindulge. Eat a healthy snack before a party. It’ll take the edge off of your appetite. It’s also important to get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated and exercise. Getting sick, especially at the holidays, is no fun.

2. Breathe regularly. Schedule in me time every day. Not even the holiday season will be a happy time at your house if Mommy is frazzled and cranky.

1. Mommy is not alone. When things go wrong, remember you are not the only person with a “bad hair” moment. Do what is necessary to regain perspective. Find someone to talk to, take a time out, have a piece of CHOCOLATE.

You’re concerned that others enjoy the holiday. You deserve the same. It’s YOUR holiday too!