As great as it is to spend time with loved ones, holidays are often stressful. Between shopping, travel, or hosting or attending parties, it’s also easy to get out of your routine. Here are some tips for keeping migraine attacks at bay during the holidays.

• Shop at off-peak times, if possible, or online (this applies to the grocery store, too). Google maps now shows you peak times at many stores. Not all stores have this feature, but my unscientific survey showed that it’s generally available for grocery and big box stores, but not mall stores.
• Plan ahead for travel. Give yourself extra time for traffic and airport crowds, bring along food and water, and be sure you have your migraine meds handy in case one hits while you’re in transit.
• Keep your normal eating schedule. Skipping meals or delaying a meal for a couple hours can be a migraine trigger. Eat a small snack if you need to keep you going.
• Drink wisely. You might skip alcohol altogether, but if you’d really like to drink that merlot at dinner, just be aware of what you’re getting into. Sometimes the migraine attack is worth the pleasure of drinking wine with friends.
• Avoid scent triggers when you can. Controlling scents can feel impossible this time of year (cinnamon-scented pinecones are my nemesis), but if you’re in a place where you can control the scents, ask for what you need. Ask your host to not burn a scented candle around you or, if you’re hosting, tell guests that your house is scent-free. I’ve even asked people to choose a non-cinnamon tea. These accommodations can be difficult to ask for because they feel intrusive, but it gets easier with practice. Most people are happy to oblige.
• Stick to your normal sleep routine. For some people, even going to bed an hour late or sleeping in an extra hour can be a migraine trigger. It can be a drag to leave a party early, but a migraine attack is usually even worse.
• Know when to say no. You don’t have to attend accept every invitation or pull out all the stops for guests. It doesn't matter if you skip something because you are worried about a migraine or just don't want to go. By taking care of yourself first, you increase the chance that you’ll enjoy the rest of your holidays.