Most of us wish we could have the perfect, stereotypical holiday celebration. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, rosy-cheeked youngsters gleefully opening presents Christmas morning, making angels in fresh snow. Though it would be nice, it's hardly realistic-more often, the holidays consist of frustration, anxiety, and barely-concealed anger. While our picture-perfect holidays will most likely continue to exist only in our minds, there are steps the frazzled can take to eliminate some of the holiday stress.

Don't try to do everything.

Since the holidays are typically a time to get together with anyone and everyone you know, the pressure is on to fit in as many different parties, dinners, and gatherings as is physically possible. However, attending everything you receive an invite to can-and probably will-cause you to spread yourself too thin. Instead, spend time with the people who really matter to you. Focus your attention on the people that you care about, and that care about you. It's not worth the stress to have five different Christmases and only enjoy two of them.

If you're hosting parties, don't host too many. For friends and family members that don't get along, ask them to tolerate each other for your sake. If they refuse, or if it isn't possible, avoid hosting multiple parties to accommodate them. It is your holiday too, and you should do whatever works best for you.

Do it early.

Everybody advises it, but hardly anyone does it-shop early. Hit the malls before stores hike up prices for Christmas shoppers. Though Black Friday sales might be enticing, don't show up midway through the day expecting to find parking and exactly what you're looking for. Show up early, if at all, with a list of what you need. Shopping early saves you the hassle of sifting through picked over gifts looking for something you'll probably never find. Or, to avoid lines and picked-over gifts altogether, shop online.

In addition to shopping, wrap early. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to wrap gifts for your entire family at 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Instead, buy your supplies early-and don't forget wrapping paper, tape, ribbon, or scissors-and do it at least a week before it needs to be done. Spread it out over a few days, if you need to. Just avoid the last minute struggle and frustration that comes from wrapping late.

Don't stress over gifts.

There is nothing more frustrating than shopping for someone without knowing what they want or need. If asking gets you nowhere, settle for gift cards. Though they might be kind of lame and impersonal as far as gifts go, it's easy to make them personal. Wrap them nicely, or disguise them by wrapping them inside of a creatively decorated shoebox. Gift cards are perfect for the indecisive buyer or recipient.

If you're looking for "the perfect gift," start early. Shopping the week before Christmas for a specific item is mostly hopeless-it's much easier to get it done days, weeks, or even months in advance than to spend your time worrying that you won't find it.

And finally, when in doubt, bake. Everybody loves a batch of homemade cookies and candy. There are many simple holiday baking recipes that even a novice in the kitchen can attempt, such as peppermint candies crushed in Almond Bark, or even store-bought Christmas cookie dough. Wrap them in some pretty cellophane and a ribbon, and you have a great gift. Of course, ask about allergies and dietary concerns in advance.

Don't take the holidays too seriously.

At times, it's hard to remember that the holidays are supposed to be fun. The joy of seeing family and friends can get lost with all of the stress. First and foremost, you should spend your holidays relaxing and trying to enjoy yourself. Don't get caught up in family drama-for most families, it is inevitable that someone, at some point, will make a snide remark. Ignore it and don't fuel the fire. Enjoy your family's company and leave it at that. Most importantly, enjoy yourself!