Even among what should be one of the happiest and most exciting times of the year, the holiday season can be stressful even for those of us who are calmer than others!

　　We all know the feeling.

　　Will something go wrong during dinner?

　　Did I buy presents for everyone on my list?

　　Did I buy the right decorations?

　　Did I even remember to buy decorations at all?

　　The list of questions, and the worries, seem truly endless during this time of year. It’s important to engage in a little bit of self-care so that you can tackle these stressors with confidence and ease!

　　At times like these, we turn to the stars for a bit of a clue as to where we should start. Here’s exactly how to tackle your holiday stress, based on your zodiac sign!

　　

But Wait, Stress is Elemental, Too!

We all have a thing or two that personally stresses us out more than all other obstacles or issues, but zodiac signs of the same element often share some similarities even here. In other words, you aren’t alone.

　　Before digging deeper into what may help you destress based on your individual zodiac sign, let’s find out what your stressors are likely to look like first.

　　

Fire Signs

Fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) want to do it all, and you usually have the abundant energy to pull it off.

　　However, with too many things on your plate and an excess of energy, sometimes it can be hard to keep your focus on one task at a time. This leads to an endless checklist (if you even get around to making one) without much of a strategy as to how to get through it!

　　

Earth Signs

Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) like their creature comforts but can get caught up in making sure they accomplish their goals to the point of discluding anything – even rest – that gets in the way.

　　Organized and methodical, you have a certain way of getting things done as an Earth sign, and a chaotic holiday season doesn’t always make this easy.

　　

Air Signs

Air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius) are the gang’s social butterflies, and there’s only so much time in the day… with endless people to see and talk to.

　　Especially if you are estranged from loved ones during the holiday season, a very obvious stressor for you as an Air sign will be a lack of contact and conversation.

　　

Water Signs

Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) have a hard time blocking out negativity – emotions rule them, so the busier and more surrounded they get, the more stressed they become.

　　Especially for those sensitive to the winter blues, a holiday season for our kindhearted water signs can be challenging to manage.

　　De-stress with the Tarot next: Shake Off Stress With This 4-Card Tarot Spread

　　

How Each Sign Can De-Stress This Holiday Season

Now that we’ve talked about what’s stressing you out, we can talk about what might destress you next.

　　Everyone is a bit different, but birds of a feather flock together. You can easily learn a thing or two about what often works for people of the same zodiac sign as you and apply these nifty strategies as needed.

　　

Aries

A certain amount of stress can be good for you because it keeps you on your toes, Aries.

　　Mars rules Aries, so you’re full of action and energy most of the time, even if it is just mental stimulation or emotional energy that will eventually run out. And what some people find relaxing… you probably find boring.

　　You can beat the holiday stress by keeping busy and staying organized (as much as possible). Make plans so that you don’t have to work with idle time, and always have something in reserve should your original plans fall through.

　　This part is a bit harder for our Aries friends, but try to make sure you are creating lists and schedules so that you have something to reference when you feel like you are falling off track.

　　And lastly, mind your temper! When you’re stressed, it can get the better of you as a more passionate sign. At the end of the day, though, you have a big heart and will regret causing a fuss later.

　　

Taurus

As a Taurus, you’re a hard worker, but your focus is often on outcome versus process. This makes you a bit of a paradox because although you’ve got a great work ethic, you can be prone to laziness, too, if you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.

　　When you get stressed, you start to get critical! Venus rules you (with its refined tastes and love of harmony), and when that harmony is threatened, you can uncharacteristically lash out or feel frustrated and smothered.

　　As an Earth sign, you may find that venturing outside can help you to relax. Take a walk, or indulge in something tasty (like a delicious gingerbread cookie). You’ll get far more out of the holidays when you find ways to be at ease with yourself and live in the moment rather than 10 steps ahead.

　　

Gemini

You tend to live your life on the edge, and for you, Gemini, anxiety is often a way of life. Even when you’re relaxing, your mind is usually racing, making it hard for you to unwind completely.

　　You’re great at multitasking, but when you do reach your limits, you may say things that you don’t mean. Your tongue can be very sharp when you feel pressured because you’re ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect.

　　It is important that you communicate your own needs to your loved ones when you start to feel the holiday stress hit—and remember, not all communication is verbal. Don’t wait for someone to notice that you are feeling “off.” You will feel a million times better by simply letting out your worries!

　　You may also find that making time for intellectual pursuits, such as reading or a game that uses your gray matter, may help you keep your stress levels under control.

　　

Cancer

Ruled by the Moon, you’re likely to wear your heart on your sleeve, as the Moon rules over emotions and our intuition. You love nothing more than to see that everyone else’s needs are met… often to the detriment of your own interests, Cancer.

　　As a natural caregiver, you can handle a lot, but you do have your breaking point. Make sure that you don’t reach it by taking care of yourself. If you are not the best “you” that you can be, then you can’t be the best to others, either.

　　The main thing you can do to help keep holiday stress at bay is to recognize that you’re naturally emotional and honor your feelings as stressful situations roll through. And above all, don’t let others impose on you. The word “no” is in your vocabulary, and you’re allowed to use it!

　　

Leo

You’re generally optimistic and gregarious, and you never want to let anyone down or make them feel unhappy. After all, you are ruled by the Sun, making you naturally bright and joyous, as well as a delight to be around.

　　The issue for you, dear Leo, is that you are a great actor, and you will be the life and soul of the party even when you are struggling inside. That doesn’t bode well for keeping your stress levels in check because honesty will always be the best policy.

　　There will be times when you need to let down that masquerade and be who you truly are. When that point comes, try to find a way to pamper yourself a bit. A massage, a spa day in, or a comfort movie can help you feel like you’re returning to center-stage, right where you belong.

　　You will also love: Which Holiday Treat Are You, Based On Your Zodiac Sign

　　

Virgo

Much like Gemini, you’re going to be “on the go” in some way during most of your day, whether you are staying in or not.

　　While you have an active mind being ruled by Mercury, you are still an Earth sign, so that “nervous” energy may manifest in a very different way for you. You may comfort eat or return to your other regular anxious habits, for example, none of which will actually cancel out the real stressors.

　　One of the things you can do to try to relax under pressure is to learn to delegate and release control. You don’t actually have to control every little detail of every situation—even though you’d like to! The world won’t fall apart if you ask your husband to cook the turkey this year, so you have some extra time to do other things on your holiday list.

　　Take care of yourself just as much as you would like to take care of all the task management in the world, and you can stay on top of holiday stress this year.

　　

Libra

It may seem a bit like a cliche for Libras, but it’s true — indecision is likely to be your main nemesis when it comes to keeping your cool over the festivities.

　　But if anything is going to stress you out more than not being able to make up your mind, it will be people trying to make up your mind for you. When it comes to this holiday season, stand your ground and don’t let others boss you around. Like Taurus, you are ruled by Venus, and you like to keep the peace. Just make sure that in doing so, you’re not sacrificing your own happiness.

　　And as you know, one of your skills is that of a mediator. Don’t hesitate to bring that into situations where friction may start to develop. Speaking your mind (and saying no, as needed) is one of the ways that you can feel both productive and resolved during the hustle and bustle of this season.

　　

Scorpio

Your feelings naturally run high, and you are passionate in every sense of the word, Scorpio.

　　When you start to feel overwhelmed, that passion can become heated and angry, it’s one thing to make sure that everyone has a good time, but it’s another thing to let this rule your life and moods. The best way that you can stay centered is not to overstretch or over-commit yourself.

　　Take on a few tasks that you really want to do, and throw yourself into them wholeheartedly.

　　Like your ruling planet, Pluto, yours is the realm of depth and meaning. When you stay in a dedicated lane, you can do great things. Should you find that you have overstretched yourself, a quick change of scene (and some quality alone time) should recharge your batteries.

　　

Sagittarius

If anything is going to stress you out, it is a threat to your personal freedom, Sagittarius. You hate feeling restricted or confined in any way!

　　Like your ruling planet Jupiter, you are expansive and expressive, and you start to bristle when you’re not allowed to be who you are. Compromise is going to be to your advantage when it comes to surviving the holidays. You cannot always have your way, and you may have to sacrifice a few of your plans for the sake of others.

　　Should you start to feel penned in—either by too many things on your to-do list or the fact that you have to have a list in the first place—take a few deep breaths, and find something to do that makes you feel back in control.

　　Whether it’s a momentary moment alone for a quick journaling session or a 10-minute meditation break, this can do wonders for you, wild archer!

　　Stumped on what to get that special someone this holiday season? Check out: The Ultimate Zodiac Gift Guide

　　

Capricorn

No one can play a better Scrooge than a Capricorn, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing! Someone has to put things into perspective, after all, and you’re well aware that not everything is sunshine and rainbows just because it’s the holiday season.

　　Ruled by Saturn, you’re naturally disciplined and cautious, but that doesn’t mean that you have to let that control your holiday either. Additionally, abrupt changes of plans are likely to be the things that stress you the most, but try to go with the flow.

　　When you can find adaptability and not take things so seriously, you stand a better chance of enjoying yourself—and we know that Capricorns can be hilarious and delightful when you get the chance to let loose.

　　Try to loosen your grip on things so that you can take everything in your stride!

　　

Aquarius

You often come off as cold and aloof, but it’s usually because you are trying to hide how very restless you are, Aquarius. With so much to get done during the holiday season, this can be particularly difficult to manage.

　　Ruled by Uranus, you’ve gotten used to changing your mind and your interests frequently. As an Air sign, you live very much in your thoughts, and it can be hard for you to switch them off.

　　To keep your cool, you need to learn how to quiet your mind. You may have to downsize and prioritize a bit. Only commit yourself to important things and plan so that you have time to do what calms you, rather than what everyone wants you to do this holiday season.

　　You might find a meditative activity, such as yoga or Tai Chi, beneficial for your relaxation.

　　

Pisces

You feel things very deeply and frequently take things to heart, Pisces. It would be too easy for you to play the martyr when things go wrong, and you need to guard against this if you want to enjoy yourself.

　　Neptune is your ruling planet; yours is the realm of dreams, illusions, wishes, and fantasies. You repeatedly imagine things as worse than they are, and as we all already know, many things can go wrong during the holiday season.

　　For you to cope with everything, make sure that you have some time for escaping the moment with a book, a movie, or some other means of “getting away from it all.” It may not always be easy to tell your roaming imagination to quiet down, but you can certainly channel it into something productive as well, like a craft or piece of art!

　　

Owning the Holiday Season

Of course, your Sun sign is only part of who you are, and if you know your Rising sign or your Moon sign, you should consider those when figuring out how to de-stress as well.

　　And once you feel like you’ve cracked the code on what strategies for stress are the ones for you, it will become easier and easier to learn how to deal with them as you practice and feel more relaxed during this busy time. At the end of all your preparation, you may find that the holidays aren’t stressful at all and are yours for the taking!

　　Happy holidays to you all! What is your favorite way to unwind from the holiday frazzle?

　　Related article: How to Relieve Stress Based on Your Moon Sign