Um ... help please?

Even the most independent girl needs a little 911 sometimes. time to reach out so you can start to chill out.

The holidays are comin' up fast and furious, and you are one snowedunder sistah. Not only are you searching endlessly to find the perfect presents for your friends and ram, but you've gotta wrap those gifts, finish a super-crucial science project, then bake a zillion reindeer-shaped cookies for your BFF's Jingle Bell Bash. Whew! No wonder you feel way overwhelmed.

The truth is that it's totally OK to ask for help. Asking for a little assistance when you need it shows smarts and maturity. So how do you proceed?

Learn Your Limits

To get your hands on the reins of the speedy sleigh that is your life, figure how much you can handle before you fizzle. Tough to even think about when you're decking the halls, climbing Mount Homework and taking out the trash.

So, ask the 'rents to help you tighten the load a little. Yep, go straight to Morn and say, "I feel icky because I've got so much to get done before winter break. Could I take a temporary pass on some of my chores?" Brainstorm with Mom ways you could further free up your time. Do you really have to accept every Christmas party invite? Must you carol door-to-door with school chorus and church choir? Probably not, so ask Mom's advice on which activities to skip.

Fair is Fair

It can be tempting to wow the world Wonder Chick-style. But multi-tasking your brains out can be stressful--and even lead others to think it's OK to take advantage of you. Say you and your BFF Samantha are throwing a New Year's Day party for the crew. You've shot out the invites and made groovy favors, while Samantha's done a whole lotta nothin'. Grrrrrrr. Ask Sam straight-up to do her party-planning part: "You make the chex mix and fruit punch--I'll put up the decorations." Done deal.

It's Not Cheesy to Take it Easy

Have you retied the bow on your cousin's gift 125 times because it's not just-so? Get real. Here's breaking news: He's not going to know the diff. Don't waste your energy on too many teeny-tiny details. Sometimes, it's a lot better to cut corners than get crazy. Store-bought bows rock!

Don't Let Stuff Snowball

It's wise to prioritize. Try GL's handy must-do/want-to system: Make a to-do list, then ask if you truly must do each item or if you just want to. Studying for a history final is a heavy-duty must-do, while building a gingerbread house is a funsy want-to. Breaking down responsibilities this way makes essentials crystal clear, so you can focus on what's important and put off what isn't.

Give Yourself "Me" Time

When faced with tons to tackle, sometimes the smartest strategy is to unplug from the world for a bit. Declare a personal Snow Day this Saturday (even if it's totally sunny). Ask your friends and ram to understand you're in the mood for solitude: "I'm really tired, and I think just hanging out in my room for today is what I need to feel better." Vegging can be rejuvenating so, by all means, do your best impression of a turnip.

No matter how frantic life gets, this time of year should be fun. Lightening the load by being honest with your loved ones is very holly-jolly holiday-ish. And getting the support you need when you need it is the most awesome present you can give yourself.