MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- While the holidays are a happy time for many, the stress associated with family gatherings can be the "lump of coal" in some people's Christmas stockings.
Clinical social worker and psychotherapist Lisa Ferentz says sometimes the best thing to do is simply not attend family get-togethers.
If that isn’t possible, Ferentz has some alternate suggestions: limit time you spend with family, bring a friend to act as a buffer, and use your cell phone as an excuse for a break.
Ferentz also suggests beginning a new tradition, or do something for others.
"I encourage people to volunteer during this time of year. I think when you do things that kind of help you step outside of yourself and your own emotional upset, it gives you perspective about life. It also helps you to kind of reclaim a feeling of gratitude."
Ferentz says it's also important to avoid self-destructive behaviors like over-eating or drinking too much – and replace them with exercise or meditation.