The holidays aren't about the gifts, they're really about spending time together with family, having fun, and relaxing. That's from Portage Family Abuse Prevention Centre Executive Director Joyce Schrader.

She says it's important to keep your kids close, and remember that it's not all about the presents. "Be aware that your children need you, they don't need the presents," says Schrader. "They need you, laughter, they need to feel safe, and they need to feel secure. If you're feeling stressed there are a lot of good people that can help. We want the holiday season to be good to everyone this year."

Schrader knows it's tough to keep stress out of your life during the holidays, but there's a lot of help out there for families facing issues through them. "It's easier said than done. I know that many families face struggles, and there are all kinds of issues facing families, and it's not easy during the year and especially hard during the holiday season."

She adds it's important to slow things down and not to worry about all of the commercialism, just have fun and love your family.