We all want to make the holidays perfect. We want to make tax season less stressful and back-to-school more fun. These can be the most stressful times of the year, the times we too often overprogram or set high expectations. You can simplify by making things meaningful but not magnificent. Create small moments that matter by cutting back on the big productions. Recognize that work is going to demand more hours, so cut back on social activities that take you away from family. Or recognize that the season is going to bring lots of family together, so rearrange work. The trap we sometimes fall into is trying to say yes to everything. Instead, we can focus on what is most important. Start with family: your spouse’s needs first, then your children’s, then your extended family’s. Do the same with work. What has to get done now? What can wait a week?