Who says there's no place like home for the holidays? For many people that's not where they want to be. Yet they find themselves packing up and heading home to holiday hell!

Family therapist Sara Moulton from Family Enrichment in Omaha says it really is ok to say "no” to going home for the holidays if you don't want to. Still, some people feel obligated to do so.

In that case Moulton has some advice. She says "make the visit short. If there are topics that you disagree with, avoid them. Be civil. Don't have expectations you or they can't meet.

Don't expect people to change for the holidays. Accept family members for who they are." She also says sitting down and talking to your family face to face about your concerns may be helpful in relieving your stress.

Moulton also says we all need to understand that holiday stress is real but we can control some of that. She says if you've had a busy week; just say no to that holiday party. Give yourself permission to turn down some invitations.

More importantly, Mouton says, "take care of you during the holidays. We tend to eat and drink more during the holidays. Combine that with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and we can literally become ill."

Holiday happiness is up to each of us. Sometimes it may mean beginning new traditions. Sometimes that can lead to the peace you and your family needs most.