It’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s also the most stressful. Between meals, travel and having the kids home from school, things can get pretty hectic around the holidays. In order to have a stress-free holiday, stay positive and flexible. After all, Christmas only happens once a year.

When your kids are out of school for winter break, their usual routines are quickly forgotten. After a day or two, little ones might become stir crazy, as they anticipate all of the exciting things to come. Try to keep them on a consistent bedtime schedule to ensure your children get enough sleep.

Staying healthy is a battle during a time where sweets are plentiful. Encourage your children to eat calorie-dense foods in moderation. If baking or cooking is a tradition for your family, swap out fatty ingredients with healthier substitutes. Substitute butter with unsweetened applesauce and fibrous whole-wheat flour for white flour.

Keep your kids moving with indoor activities. Consider setting up a holiday-themed scavenger hunt, so they can burn energy and stimulate their brain. If you’re lounging around, get up during commercial breaks and do a dance or jump around. Sitting for extended periods of times is bad for your heart, so be sure to get your heart rate up as much as possible.

If it’s not too cold out, take a walk around your neighborhood or visit a park. Bring a bottle of water with you, as it is still possible to get dehydrated in cool temperatures. Have your kids run around with friends to burn off those calories while socializing.

If you are traveling to see relatives, warn your young children that they will experience a big change in routine. Try to mirror some of your same rituals if possible, like reading books before bed. If you do not get to see some of your relatives often, remind your young children who they are beforehand, to eliminate possible fear or shyness.

Once all the holiday fun winds down, encourage your child to set New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year. Their goal should be achievable and realistic. Share examples of your successful resolutions from your past to explain the concept to younger children. If your child says he wants to exercise more, make a plan. It’s easier to stick to a plan rather than just saying you’re going to do something. For example, plan to sign your child up for a sports team that practices regularly.

The holidays don’t have to be stressful. Focus on staying healthy and patient, to eliminate some of the stress. Lead by example and help your kids set goals for the new year.