THERE'S something infectious about the run up to Christmas and the feeling that the season of goodwill to all is on its way.

Even if it feels like the pre-Christmas period is full of seasonal stresses like worrying about choosing the right gift for the right person or trying to guess how much people will eat and drink, that festive cheer is inescapable.

Psychotherapist Jill Curtis says all of us still hold the memories and excitement that came with our own childhood Christmases: the carols, the bright lights, and the height of excitment when we were finally allowed to open our stocking.

"But why does Christmas have such a special feel about it?" she asks. "Why do so many of us want to be home for Christmas? And why do we all, whatever our age, still hold on to the feeling that there is a special magic around at this time of the year?"

However you choose to remember Christmas, it is crucially important for families -- especially step or blended -- to create their own, unique traditions, she says.

"Dig deep into your own memories of Christmas -- a bracing walk is fine for some families whereas making paper decorations and fancy biscuits are just what another family loves to do.

"And if this is a 'new' family, tread carefully and slowly," she advises. "Traditions take time to build up."

Sometimes our family circumstances can overshadow the festivities and make celebrating a little more difficult than usual.

But even if you have just split up from your partner, you are away from your family, you have recently suffered a bereavement, or your children are with your ex, you can still enjoy a low-key, relaxing Christmas, according to life coach Lynda Field.

"Remember that you are still going through it emotionally, so be easy on yourself," Field advises.

"Why not let the break be a time for you to nurture and treat yourself? Don't overdo the socialising and have plenty of 'me' time, and you might even begin to appreciate your new independent status.

"In fact, if you concentrate on putting yourself first, by the time New Year's Eve arrives you will be in a far more optimistic frame of mind."

Take a guilt-free nap when you need to--rest is a great healer during emotionally turbulent times.

Snuggle up with that new novel or DVD you've been promising yourself.

Shop for some delicious festive food--you deserve it.

Meet up with friends to celebrate but make sure you use the holiday to take care of yourself first and foremost.

If you're away from your family, then it's time to have a rethink.

"You might be with a new partner orworking abroad and for the first time away from your family," Field says. "So now is the time to set up some new traditions and to create a fresh personal experience of Christmas.

"Things will be different but you can choose to enjoy the novelty of being in charge and able to do it your way."

So you won't be putting up the usual Xmas decorations, but you can enjoy buying and making new ones!

Retain parts of the old traditions you love but take this opportunity to put your own individual creative stamp on the celebrations. If you hate turkey then why not eat smoked salmon for Christmas lunch?

Make sure you enjoy the company of friends. Why not invite them around for some old Christmas films and some homemade festive fare?