Ah, the holidays. The merriment of the season is tied to the mayhem of buying presents for everyone on your list, shipping packages to far-flung relatives, writing Christmas cards, baking cookies, buying new high heels for the office party, booking plane tickets, traveling to see loved ones (or welcoming them to your home), and worrying about forgetting something crucial when you stop to catch your breath.

We also find ourselves dealing with crowds, stressful party situations, busy airports, the traffic, and well-meaning (or is that hyper-controlling?) relatives who have a magical ability to transform us into Scrooge.

With all these challenges, is it any wonder that most of us struggle to stay healthy and sane during the whirlwind? Negotiating the holidays and keeping our sense-of-self intact can be a tricky balancing act—one that we tackle each year through practice and patience.

Plan ahead. Carve out time for a yoga class or a run. Pack super-healthy snacks into your pockets, so that you fuel up on something more nutritious than fruitcake. You'll be so glad you did.

The trickiest part of the holidays can be visiting family. Sure, we love them, but even the closest families grate on each other's nerves. When I'm about to lose it, I leave the house. I'll volunteer to run some errands or slip out for a walk. And if things are really crazy, even the dreaded shopping mall can serve as an escape.

Gifts are another holiday stressor. It's easy to spend too much time and money on gifts as we look for meaningful presents for the people we love. But keep in mind that even the most disastrous and thoughtless gift gaffe (steak knives to a confirmed vegan; earrings to someone without pierced ears), can be fixed with a heartfelt apology and a gift receipt.

It's easier to feel jolly when I feel centered. Over the years, I've learned to set aside 20 minutes or so for myself each morning. I usually write in a journal, but a morning stroll (or walking the family dog), meditating, listening to some music, or maybe just tucking yourself away in a quiet corner with a cup of coffee would work just as well. This self-created lull helps me reconnect with myself and focus on my priorities (and not the priorities of that incredibly confident sales clerk). That brief check-in helps me stay calm.

If I do goof up (as I always do), I work on forgiving myself quickly. The holiday spirit means being generous—to yourself as well as others. Remember that this a season of peace and good cheer. And if that doesn't work, remember that January is right around the corner.

Holidays for the Health Glutton