Well it is that time of year when the extra added stress can get to the best of us.  Here are a few resources to help you get through this busy time.

How does your family divide financial responsibilities?  Money can be a big source of stress, especially during the holiday season and even more so during challenging economic times.  The Juggle has a good post that discusses ways to balance this issue in your family.

Figuring out how to handle the family finances, especially during difficult economic times, is a big juggle challenge. But before deciding what to do about money, couples have to face the question of how to divide their budgetary responsibilities.

Lifestyle has a helpful post of tips to consider.  Here are some ideas to help you handle the financial challenges:

Tips on Easing Financial Stress:

• Plan ahead. Know what you're going to buy before you head out. This will help you avoid making last-minute emotional purchases.
  
• Have a budget and stick to it. Before you shop, decide how much money you can afford to spend on gifts and stick to that budget.
• Be honest and don't give in to parental guilt. Tell your children the truth about your current financial situation. Let them know they won't get everything on their wish list. If they believe in something like Santa Claus, tell them that even Santa has to watch his wallet this year.  

There are also a few ideas regarding about how to take care of yourself so that you can make it through the season still feeling good:

Make sure you are sleeping and eating properly. These are usually the first things to go when you are under pressure but it is very important that you get your sleep and proper nutrition (chocolate and cookies do not count!).

Get regular exercise (shopping counts!).

If your child presents you with a bedtime request for immediate baked goods for the school bake sale TOMORROW, do not stay up all night baking ten types of cookies. Bakeries open early and so do super markets. Buy them there.

The Lifestyle section of Canada.com offers the following suggestions:

So this year, think about putting yourself first. Say no when you must. * Get a massage. * Treat yourself to a meal cooked by someone else. * Book that weekend trip you've been dreaming about since June. * Go to bed early.

Too often, in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we neglect to take care of something most important: our own health and well-being. Although wanting to care for others is a magnificent trait, we need to nourish and sustain our own lives. We must always remember that we need to care for our own selves with as much dedication as we give to the people we love.