'Tis the season to be jolly, but Christmas can also be a very stressful time of year.

With shopping for presents, planning the dinner and making sure drinks are topped up, it can sometimes feel it's all getting too much.

Experts at the International Stress Management Association have come up with nine ways to keep anxiety at bay.

1) Plan the season well in advance

It may be a bit late for this one now but it doesn't hurt to start thinking about the new year ahead. Whether it's mental or physical lists, it's probably a smart idea to get some sort of tick sheet together to make sure you have everything you need. That goes for your plans on what to shop for and cook. After all, the holiday should be fun for everyone.

2) Set yourself a budget

Again, this is one to bear in mind for Christmas 2018. But remember to get those savings pots together as early as possible. Then make sure you have enough to spend on everything throughout the year. A little can go a long way. Once you've got yourself in order remind yourself not to over spend - it's the thought that counts.

3) Make a list of all the presents you need

See point one for more on this. Lists really are the only way you can keep up with your plans. And you have the satisfaction of ticking the presents off once you have them in the bag. You could also wrap them as you go so you don't have to panic at the last minute.

4) Avoid busy shopping times

It's probably one of the things we all dread about Christmas - the busy shops. If you hate them as much as we do you'll do your best to get there during less busier periods. You could also shop from the comfort of your sofa by going online. You don't have to stand in the queues and the gifts are brought straight to your door. What's not to like about that?

5) Make time for other people

Offload your festive stress by going to visit those people you never get around to seeing. A visit can mean the world to an elderly relative or the person next door. You could try tracking down a friend you used to go to school with or give up some of the your time to help a local charity. That way you benefit from the time off Christmas planning and they benefit from a bit of extra help.

6) If you're feeling lonely, speak out

There are plenty of organisations which are set up with the one purpose of helping you through the tough times. No one's pretending Christmas is fun for everyone but there are ways you can manage the downsides of loneliness that comes with it. The Samaritans are around all day and throughout the night, so if you're finding it hard to cope then give them a call on 116 123.

7) The best things in life really are free

So much of the festive period is about consumerism. Sometimes you just need to rip yourself away from the hustle and bustle of it all and turn things down. One way of doing that is by going for a winter walk or creating a glowing log fire.

8) Spread a little happiness

Just saying a few kind words can lift someone's mood. Don't forget to say 'thank you' for everything you get in your stocking as well. It all makes a difference.

9) Finally, make time to be kind

For many, Christmas is a time of excessive eating and drinking and exercise can easily be overlooked. Build in some time to go for a walk, whether you do it on your own or have the company of your partner, a friend or children.