Every year the holidays sneak up on shoppers, leaving stressed-out millions rushing to malls to find gifts for loved ones. Such madness may seem unavoidable, especially in today's busy world.

Here's the good news: There is a way out of holiday shopping hell. It begins, remarkably, by honouring yourself first before others.

"The holidays are supposed to be meaningful and fun, with everyone raving about your great meals and wonderful decorations. But for you it may mean a headache, sore feet and an aching back," according to Rosalie Moscoe, a stress management consultant and author of the new book, "Frazzled Hurried Woman! Your Stress Relief Guide to Thriving…Not Merely Surviving."

"People get so caught up doing things for other people. But while we're honouring those we care about we forget to honour ourselves," said Moscoe.

Fortunately, this habit is easy to break and begins by asking some simple questions.

"Each year we get into this crazy, rushed holiday cycle and we do it without thinking about why," according to Dr. Erin Carter, a psychiatrist at Women's College Hospital in Toronto.

Before you buy anything, take some time to consider what is really important to you about the holidays.

"When we don't honour our values, our stress levels go up," said Carter.

"The question we should all be asking is what we can change about our approach to the holidays -- and holiday shopping -- that will truly reflect our values."

Let the shopping begin...

Put these tips to work and this year's holiday gift run will become more manageable and meaningful:

1. "If you only have one day to get your shopping done, accept the situation. Don't stress about it because time is short," said Carter.
2. Eat a protein-rich breakfast before you leave home. Skipping breakfast or eating high-sugar items like cookies and chocolate to keep you going will send your blood sugar spiking high and then dropping low," said Moscoe. Instead, choose yogurt, eggs or cheese, fruit, and toast with peanut or almond butter. These healthier options will keep stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline from coursing through your veins, keeping you calm and in control.
3. Bring a water bottle to keep hydrated.
4. Wear comfortable clothes. "This is the only time I tell women to leave their holiday stilettos at the door," said Melissa Evans-Lee, the marketing director at Bayview Village Shopping Centre in Toronto. "Wear ballerina flats. Layer your clothing. Remember, sweaty equals miserable. No one wants to channel Mr. Grinch while they're shopping for people they love."
5. Use valet parking. "Parking spots are hard to come by during the holidays. Avoid the scavenger hunt. Valet parking will slash your stress levels by half," said Evans-Lee.
6. Arrive before the mall opens. "Many cafés open earlier than the stores. So treat yourself to a latte. Take in the holiday decor and enjoy the music," said Evans-Lee. "Get into the spirit and then plan your route."
7. Find a quiet bench and list all your gift recipients. Also consider if some names can be crossed off with gifts that don't come from a store. "If you have elderly relatives or friends on your list, give them gift certificates for snow shovelling or grocery shopping that you can do for them. This useful alternative will bring more meaning into people's lives, including your own," said Carter.
8. Use the mall's concierge for ideas. At Toronto's upscale Bayview Village, for example, the concierge will share ideas, track down items for shoppers and put them on hold. "We're combing the mall all the time. Use that information to save yourself time," said Evans-Lee.
9. If you feel overwhelmed, stop and take three deep breaths. Focus on breathing out, not in. Calm yourself, regroup and prioritize.
10. Keep healthy snacks in your bag to keep your energy levels up. Choose almonds, apples, a healthy power bar, or some dried cranberries.
11. Take breaks. "Remember, holiday shopping is to be enjoyed," said Evans-Lee. "Stop for lunch. Get a manicure or a blow dry. Indulge yourself. You'll have more fun shopping and reduce your stress."
12. Use complimentary gift-wrapping services. "You can wrap all those gifts yourself. Or you can give them to a concierge to wrap while you head off to a relaxing lunch. The choice is a no-brainer," said Evans-Lee. Note: Shoppers who use these services at Bayview Village this season will help charity. For a $5 donation, shoppers can support Windfall, the only organization in Canada that donates new clothing to impoverished women.

Check back every Wednesday and Friday for a new instalment in CTVNews.ca's gift-giving guide.