This is the third of our three-part series on staying healthy during the holiday season.

The holiday season is upon us, and it can be a stressful time. The holidays often bring extra social obligations, financial pressure and a breakdown of healthy living habits. The holiday season can also leave you feeling lonely or depressed.

However, you and your family can adopt some new traditions that may help ease the season's stress and make your holidays healthy and happy.

Children are especially vulnerable to commercial stimuli during the holiday season. But basically, all kids really need are realistic expectations about gifts, an even-paced holiday season and strong, loving family traditions. Here are some ways to make the holidays special for your children:

• Spend more time with your kids. Entertain less and go to fewer parties that exclude children.

• Watch less TV and do more things as a family.

• Include your kids in all preparations. Let your children help you decorate and bake, even if it means your creations aren't perfect.

• Teach children the meaning of giving. Adopt a needy family, and have your kids help you make a meal for them. Suggest that your children buy a gift for an underprivileged child with their own money. Or ask them to donate one of their own gifts to a less fortunate child.

• Teach your children that gifts don't have to be tangible. Trade intangible gifts with each other, such as helping with homework or washing the dishes. Let your children come up with their own ideas of what they can offer. 

Source: The StayWell Company, LLC