Do you know that a recent survey by a sociology graduate student found that 31% of American women find Christmas shopping stressful? One in four, in fact, said that Christmas shopping is a highly stressful experience for them.

Trying to choose the right gift for everyone on their Christmas list was shown to be the greatest source of stress.

Following closely behind were the pressures of completing gift shopping in time and paying for the gifts without overspending or incurring large debt.

But, holiday gift shopping need not raise your anxiety level. The suggestions below can greatly reduce, and maybe even eliminate Christmas shopping stress.

1. First, construct a budget to ensure that you will not spend more than you can afford. Promise yourself you will not exceed it under any circumstances, and stick to your promise.

2. Use the Internet to find the lowest prices on the items you want. Sometimes you can find and buy exactly what you want in minutes, without leaving home. The fewer lines you have to stand in the better, right? Just be sure you investigate and figure in shipping costs as well as the cost of the gifts themselves.

3. If you have significant credit card debt or high interest rate credit cards, pay for everything in cash.

4. In the event you do use a credit card, pick one that offers cash back, airline miles, or other consumer rewards. But, be sure to choose a reward you will actually use.

5. Purchase gift cards for difficult-to-buy-for family members and friends. That way, they can get exactly what they want. Contrary to popular belief, most people love to receive gift cards.

Not only do the five above suggestions eliminate most of the anxiety of gift shopping for the holidays, but they help make gift giving the happy experience it should be.