For some people, the holiday season is wonderful. It is full of parties, family and friends. For others it is a time of loneliness, stress and anxiety.

Stress and being tired can cause holiday blues (sadness). High expectations, money problems, being far from family and friends can also cause bad feelings.

Some folks feel that holiday demands like shopping or having houseguests are too hard. As a result, they get headaches, drink or eat too much, or cannot sleep.

According to the National Association of Mental Health Providers, here are some tips to avoid getting the blues this holiday season:

• Keep expectations low. Set normal goals. Do not plan everything for one day like Christmas Day or Chanukah. Spread out activities.
• Just because it is holiday time, sad feelings can be present. That’s okay. Leave room for them in yourself or others. Have a good cry and then move on. Try not to compare today to the good old days.
• Volunteer at a food kitchen or collect toys for poor children. Volunteering can take your mind off your troubles.
• Do things that are free. Take a family walk and look at the holiday lights; go window shopping; make snowmen or snow angels with your kids.
• Limit what you drink. Remember that alcohol can increase depression.
• Try something in a new way, like taking a winter hike on New Year’s Day.
• Do not change your routines. It is best to sleep, eat and do routine chores as normally as possible.
• Try not to take children shopping past bedtime. Avoid crowded places that cause stress for you or your children.
• Spend time with supportive and caring people.
• Make new friends. Reach out or call someone you have not heard from in awhile.
• Save time for yourself. Rent favorite movies or listen to music.
• Let others share responsibility. Others may not wrap a gift like you would, but it will look fine. Have others help make dinner. Let your children set the table or help decorate the house.
• Try to get some sunshine. Lack of sun affects some people.
• If sadness turns more serious, contact your doctor.