HAVE MORE HOLIDAY FUN, WITH LESS STRESS.

Byline: Sherry Joe Crosby Staff Writer

Holidays can be a joyous occasion, filled with visits from family and friends, special foods and gifts. But the yuletide season is also a major source of stress, marked by additional responsibilities, social commitments and planning.

Setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks and maintaining healthy eating and exercise habits can dramatically reduce holiday stress, says Dr. Kate Christensen, medical director of Kaiser Permanente's Internet Services Group, which is responsible for the HMO's Web site, kp.org.

``A lot of stress comes from our own expectations. We get an idea in mind of the perfect holiday, the perfect meal, and we knock ourselves out trying to re-create that,'' she says. ``We need to think of what is important and what is realistic. Neither one is accomplished by spending time at the mall looking for the perfect present.''

To avoid a holiday meltdown, follow these healthy tips from Christensen:

Remember, you don't have to be perfect: Holiday times should be fun, not a forced march to fulfill every perfect holiday fantasy. Ease up on your expectations. Make that dinner party a potluck instead of cooking everything yourself, and if you can't find the perfect present, settle for a really great one.

Don't put your healthy habits on hold: Lots of us start overeating on Halloween and continue straight through to the New Year's Day football nacho-fest. This makes for some regrets later on, so save yourself the grief and treat your body to healthy food. We should all enjoy a holiday treat here and there, but not as a steady diet.

Keep up your exercise: It's tempting to say we're too busy to do our usual walking or yoga class, but it's even more important to keep up these healthy habits when we're also eating more ``treat'' foods and facing more stress. Sticking with your exercise program will help you stay relaxed and fit during the holiday frenzy.

Put important things first: If you are feeling overwhelmed by errands, holiday gatherings, shopping, cooking and running around, take a minute to sit down, take a deep breath, and make a list of your priorities.

Avoid the shopping mayhem: With a little planning, you can get all your shopping done without having a nervous breakdown. Plan your shopping trips at strategic times when crowds are smaller, like later at night or right after work. Bring your list so you don't end up wandering aimlessly in the mall. With online shopping, you can buy almost anything and have it shipped while sitting at home in your pajamas.

For more information, visit kp.org/totalhealth and click on Mind & Body Health.

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Strategic planning - including shopping at off-peak times, - can help minimize holiday stress. Mrs. Krank didn't know that, but now you do.