One source of stress is believing you don't have enough time, money or energy. Those feelings can hit as people deal with the “extra stuff” of the holiday season, such as socializing, decorating and gift giving, says Upstate psychologist Rich O'Neill, PhD. To keep the holidays positive, he suggests that people set realistic expectations, do what worked well in the past, learn to say no and take time to regroup. Making simple, personal connections is a better idea than aiming for perfection, he adds.