1) Plan ahead as much as possible

2) Communicate a lot, be specific and clear, without anxiety; use “I messages”

3) Breathe deeply frequently

4) Simplify—too much of anything often stresses us

5) Remember what’s most important to you:
The relationship or the event
The joy of being together or the perfect_______(fill in the blank)
Clue: generally people prefer presence and graciousness to perfection.

6) Take time to refocus yourself—the more centered and grounded you are, the calmer others will be.

7) Be sure to laugh a lot

8) Use your senses:
Enjoy the smells
Enjoy the lights
Enjoy the feel of a warm kitchen
Enjoy the sounds of people enjoying themselves
Enjoy and savor the taste of food

9) Hug the children and anyone else who wants and needs it.

10) Sing/Dance/Move your body joyfully through time and space