Religious or cultural rituals, deep-rooted family traditions or new and exciting adventures—everyone celebrates the holiday season differently. But no matter what the year-end symbolizes, there are two common feelings most people experience: love and stress.

Love is unavoidable as happy-ending movies flood the television, carols blare through the streets, relatives reunite to share stories and make memories. Yet, modern-day society has created standards of gift giving, socializing and ‘quality time’ that is sure to test anyone’s patience. This takes a toll on relationships, or for singles, leaves a yearning for a special someone to cuddle up with. But it doesn’t have to ruin the fun. Strive to avoid the stress, keep the season bright and bring in the new year with a bang!

Making Quality Time

The period between New Year’s Day and Valentine’s Day is the most common time for divorce. According to divorce lawyer Gaentano Ferro, “Marital misery is often magnified during the holidays and many unhappy spouses want a clean slate in the New Year.”

What makes it so stressful for couples? As more and more people from different religious faiths and cultural backgrounds marry, families are faced with celebrating several holidays, accompanied by numerous get-togethers, social gatherings and personal or religious obligations. This can cause friction when it comes to family acceptance. There is the possibility that some members do not approve of the marriage, or even if they do, there could be unfamiliar house rules or behavioral expectations that cause frustration.

In order to understand and support each other, express both wishes for the season and stresses that get in the way. Set aside personal differences and pet peeves among relatives—everyone is under stress this time of year, so be quick to forgive. If faced with expectations that could be deemed unfair, such as sleeping in separate rooms, respect their wishes. But don’t ignore the needs of the relationship. If excitement is in order, incorporate some sneaky foreplay into the festivities and slip away together for a quick afternoon rendezvous. Like partners in crime, the possibility of getting caught will add to the exhilaration.

Another main stressor at this time of year is financial concerns that could result in a January debt crunch. If partners have different spending habits, it is sure to set off tempers. Before handing over any money, sit down and decide on a budget. Outline all the things that require funds this season and approximate how much it will cost. Shopping together makes it feel less like a chore. And when out, why not buy a new toy for the bedroom? Or go off individually and surprise each other with a gift at the end of the day—it’ll be something to look forward to.

For new relationships, the holidays act as a test of compatibility to determine if it can handle stress according to Star Jones Reynolds. In providing advice she says, “If I start to think through what kind of person I want in my life for the rest of my life, I think, 'In my most stressful times, can that person be there for me?’” For couples that are ready to settle down, don’t let the season add pressure for an engagement, wedding or baby. There may be a sour taste of resentment after the celebrating ends.

It is a busy time of year. It takes a conscience effort not to put the relationship on the back burner. No matter how full the calendar looks, take time as a couple. This investment acknowledges your importance to each other. Have a date night to enjoy being together sexually. Add some spice and incorporate seasonal aphrodisiacs into the routine. Chocolate truffles and baked goods with cinnamon and ginger are not only associated with the holidays, but both are popular aphrodisiacs. Champagne, symbolic of celebration, also falls into this category. So indulge! But one thing to avoid is too much sugar and simple carbs; they can throw hormonal levels off balance causing a decrease in libido.

Never overlook sexual relationships. Simple things like sleeping naked together or dressing up in something sexy (and festive) can heat things up in the cold winter months. Connecting with your special someone is key at this time of year. After all it’s the season for love, no?

Celebrate Solo

Holiday stress isn’t only for those coupled up. Whether they have just come out of a relationship, or prefer to live life solo, many single men and woman find the year’s end difficult. Some people may be faced with pressure from family members about ‘settling down’, while others may be surrounded by friends with significant others, leaving them to battle a sense of loneliness as the new year approaches.

There might be a desire to seek out a companion for the holiday season—it is the most common time of year for singles to call up someone from the past. “Sex with the ex is appealing for many reasons.” explains TODAYshow.com contributor Dr. Laura Berman. “For one thing, we feel already feel comfortable with them, both inside and outside the bedroom.” But there was probably a reason for the break up in the first place and someone will likely feel hurt. “Just having sex with the ex can bring back a flood of emotions and memories, and holiday loneliness makes you even more vulnerable to these feelings,” Berman adds. Instead, designate a platonic friend of the opposite sex to attend functions with.

There are lots of ways to enjoy and appreciate the holidays without feeling singled out. Treat yourself to something nice with the money saved from not buying a gift for a partner. ‘Single isn’t about waiting for someone to ride up on their white horse and treat you to stuff. Own your own happiness!’ If parties with lots of couples sound depressing, organize an event: Buy tickets to a seasonal show or concert, volunteer for a charity or cook dinner and watch movies. The rule? No significant others are invited. This also goes for New Year’s Eve. Plan to celebrate with unattached friends to avoid feeling left out when midnight strikes.

Remember why past relationships didn’t work. Having a partner doesn’t guarantee satisfaction. Living happily single can be more fulfilling than being miserable with someone. Laina Dawes shares her opinion on Blogher.com, “I don't miss the stress of trying to figure what the other person is thinking, what to buy them, if they are going to get the present that you really want, or even if they are going to call you.”

“Me” Time

Even if singledom feels fantastic, or things with Mr. or Mrs. Right are flourishing, don’t forget about the most important relationship in life—the one with yourself. Maintain the same exercise regimen and eating habits as if it was July. This will keep both body and mind in top shape to enjoy all possible festivities. There are plenty of healthy options, as well as cultural favorites, to incorporate into holiday meals.

There will be parties with colleagues, friends and even strangers. Although some might feel obligatory, if not, there is always the option to say no. It’s easy to feel roped into attending every event to which an invitation is extended, but it is important to prioritize. If something doesn’t make the list—how does the saying go? Thanks, but no thanks.

So whether your single, dating, married or divorced, focus on having fun and feeling fabulous. Have a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!