The holidays are here and, for many people, that means gifts, togetherness, and making magic for the little ones in the family. But, for many others, the holidays are a stressful time where heavy drinking is the number-one tradition. Staying on track can be especially difficult this time of year, whether your goal is to drink less or to abstain altogether. Here are five tips to help you keep it together throughout the holidays.

Perhaps the most important strategy to remember is having a strategy in the first place. Setting limits or having a goal is a great place to start. Figure out what your ideal number of drinks will be and stick to it.

A couple of things to keep in mind as you plan this out: Five or more drinks on any given day is considered "binge drinking" and can put you at risk of various problems. That said, if you typically drink eight, 10, or more drinks per day, then five would be a great goal. The important thing here is that it is specific and measurable.

Also, be sure to keep in mind that "one drink" is an actual unit: It includes 5 oz of wine, 12 oz of 5 percent abv beer, or 1.5 oz of 80-proof spirits. Measure your drinks and keep track as you go through the day.

For many people, simply abstaining from alcohol is far easier than stopping once you start. If your plan is not drinking, let your friend, partner, or loved one know ahead of time, so that they can support........

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