As enjoyable as holiday planning may be, does it ever give you a headache? Between the shopping, the wrapping, the cooking and the decorating, does holiday stress ever make your head throb?

According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF), 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches. The NHF offers these tips to avoid those tension-related "holiday headaches":

• Avoid last-minute shopping. Standing in long lines in hot, crowded stores can prompt tension headaches.
• Stay within your budget. As tempting as it may be to indulge in an expensive gift for someone special, resist the urge to buy gifts that are out of your price range. Buy what is within your means. Putting yourself in debt will cause headaches now and when the bills come in.
• Don't skip meals. With the flurry of activity around the holidays, you can sometimes miss meals. Skipping meals causes headaches, so keep something in your stomach. Try to have a snack available for the times you're unable to eat during your regular mealtime. Avoid ripe cheeses, processed meats and chocolate, all of which can bring on headaches.
• Avoid rooms that are smoke- and perfume-filled. These are both headache triggers and are common environments at social gatherings. Try your best to stay in well-ventilated areas and get fresh air when possible.
• Drink in moderation. If you drink alcohol, blend it with fruit juice. This is less likely to cause a headache than drinking straight alcohol. Sip your drink slowly and try to alternate between mixed drinks and non-alcoholic beverages like soda or water. Avoid red wine, which contains tyramine, an amino acid known to cause headaches.
• Be prepared in advance for holiday travel. If traveling by car, have your route planned out ahead of time. If flying, arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled flight time. Be prepared to wait in long lines.
• Stay on a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. Changes in your sleep routine can bring on headaches.
• Take time for yourself. Even though the holidays are a time for being with family, too much togetherness can be stressful. Make sure to take some time to relax by yourself.

Everyone gets headaches from time to time, but you may find that you get them more often than you think is normal. If you feel that your headaches are frequent or severe, make an appointment to see your doctor.

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External Source American Headache Society. 'Tis the season for major headaches.. Accessed November 12, 2009

This article was reviewed and updated 08-01-2009.