The office party is this Wednesday, the school pageant is on Thursday, and you still have to pick up the dry cleaning before you make the trip to your parents’ house this weekend.

Busy calendars during the holidays can make it difficult to manage work and family responsibilities, but the director of Purdue University's Center for Families says it can be a great time to build relationships.

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"Holiday-related school pageants, gift shopping and extra work events can add pressure to an already busy schedule," says Shelley MacDermid, professor of child development and family studies. "But it's a great time to remember that some of the most special family memories arise out of everyday activities."

Families should focus on finding enjoyment in the process of getting ready for the holidays, she says. Tree decorating, card writing and cookie baking can become family rituals and create great memories by turning work into fun.

"Quality time doesn't have to be a big production," MacDermid says. "Try to resist the pressure to make everything perfect."

Holiday stress also can arise when relatives get together who don't see each other often, but MacDermid says it's a great time for families to develop relationships and learn about their history. Stimulate conversations by asking older family members about their school years, how they met their partners and what their mother liked to cook.

"Books and Web sites are available that provide suggestions for questions to get the ball rolling," MacDermid says. "Do some homework before the holiday and have some materials on hand to help keep conversations running smoothly. And don't forget to record the answers, either on paper or video, to pass on to future generations."

If you start to feel overwhelmed by the season, just take a breath and remember that despite the hustle and bustle, the holidays should still be a time to celebrate our relationships with loved ones.

What are some of your favorite family traditions for the holidays? Share them with us — we'd love to hear from you!

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