Why does a season that's supposed to be about happiness and joy so often result in just the opposite? A survey by Consumer Reports found that 90 percent of Americans find at least one thing stressful about the holiday season (who are these 10 percent who feel no holiday stress?). Of course, it's possible that just having such expectations of the season to begin with, and then feeling the guilt at not meeting them, might be part of the problem. But whatever the reason, stress is what a lot of people will be unwrapping this year. Fortunately, much of it is returnable. So what follows are tips not only for holiday stress, but for the rest of the year as well. If you're in that 90 percent who's stressed out this week and next, this might be the list you should be checking twice. Your mind and body -- as well as your family -- will thank you.

By Mitzi Dulan for U.S. News Health For many of us, just hearing the word "holiday" can create anxiety and stress. We have little time to get a lot...

The holidays are upon us. Peace on earth, and goodwill to all. Right? Or perhaps it feels more like stress at home and ill will toward family? There is another possibility. This year, take the peaceful path through the holidays.

I find it ironic that this time of year is so stressful. It's a time of reflection, appreciation and celebration. Instead, we're bombarded with to-dos, family and work obligations and the added pressure of holiday gift-giving.

Work/life balance can be a challenge at any time of the year, but add in end-of-the-year business needs and a need to step up the family obligations and you're met with a near-impossible situation. Outside of cloning yourself, what can you do?

We asked acupuncturists from around the world to share one piece of acupuncture-inspired advice for reducing holiday stress. They had to be self-care tips that can be applied anytime, anywhere, and for free. Here are our 10 favorites.

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, but I rarely gave the real meaning of the holiday -- gratitude -- any real thought. All of that changed after my father died 16 years ago. Family took on a different, enhanced meaning and I wanted to make the most of it.

Holiday stresses are well-known to all. The problems are many. We have high expectations for a holiday time where everyone is together, happy and getting along. How to you rise above this and keep your stress in check?

George Burns once said: "Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city." So that would explain why the holidays are so stressful.

I let my obligations slide, remembering for one afternoon, at least, to do what the expert -- at that moment in the form of a strikingly sensible toddler -- said, and I focused on what really needed to be done.

With shopping, social gatherings, and end-of-year obligations, however, we humans go against nature -- increasing our activity and stress levels at exactly the time that the body wants us to be decreasing them.

Before you make too many plans this holiday season, list your triggers: people, places, and things that tend to trigger your fears and bring out your worst traits.