The holiday season is a wonderful time for families and friends to gather, reconnect and build lasting memories. Yet we know from mental health studies and firsthand experience that it can also be a stressful time for both children and adults.

Daily routines are disrupted, schedules are overloaded, healthy eating habits go out the window, pressure mounts as deadlines to shop and send holiday cards loom and holiday spending often leads to guilt-laden financial woes.

Meanwhile, children’s everyday needs sometimes get inadvertently overlooked by visits to Santa, Christmas parades, family gatherings and holiday parties. Is it any wonder that children are often wired, moody and more anxious than at any other time of the year?

The key to minimizing stress during the holidays is really quite simple: Enjoy the moment and the time with family. Pace yourself and prioritize what you’d like to share with children, relatives and friends. Doing one thing and enjoying it in a leisurely fashion is better than trying to squeeze in multiple things in the same amount of time. You can minimize a lot of self-inflicted stress if you just stop and consider other options, including cutting back or passing on “a good thing.”

Don’t overschedule holiday activities for yourself or your family. Children do not have the same capacity and stamina as adults. Measure out your activities to avoid crankiness and challenging behaviors. Be mindful that there are activities meant for children and others oriented for adults (even when they’re family centered). Be patient with them just as you would at any other time of the year. Expect heightened emotions and help them to manage their feelings by providing daily, one-on-one positive attention and quality time.

Keep the family healthy by continuing to eat right and refrain from overindulging.

REMEMBER, it’s not just the kids who need their sleep and exercise. Are there activities that parents can participate in with their kids to exercise together; something parents might not have a chance to do when kids are in school? Even with special events, try to keep to your normal routine whenever possible.

And do yourself a favor: As tempting as it is to be a generous Santa, don’t overspend. Generosity can be measured in many ways, including giving of yourself and your time. Happiness doesn’t always come wrapped in a gilded box.

A healthy attitude can also affect your overall health. Stay positive and surround yourself and your family with positive people. Cynicism and negativity can be just as infectious as smiles and laughter. Remember the reason for the season. Celebrate not just the season, but your family and all that you are fortunate to have. No matter your religious belief or culture, give thanks and be sincerely grateful.

Enjoy the moment. Be aware of what you can and need to control and what you can let go. Remember that the value and worth of any experience is not measured in size or numbers, but in the quality of that experience.

Finally, have a wonderful and healthful holiday!