How to stay trim and stress-free during the holidays

-How to work in exercise during the hectic-ness of the holidays?  

Plan ahead!  Once you know what you're doing for the holidays set out a workout time as you would for the work week. This probably means waking up and sweating first thing in the morning.  It only takes a little workout to make a huge difference.  Once you start sweating you cleanse the body and purify it from toxins and feel great again.  

The key to avoiding the holiday bulge is simply this.  Eat something right before you head out to your party.  I know there will be all this amazing food at your party, but it's a fat-trap.  If you tell yourself, "I didn't eat all day so I can splurge now" you're going to spend your holiday money on bigger clothes.
The battle is always won and lost in the kitchen.  My holiday tip I've been practicing for years is, "double-fisting".  Make sure to carry around a glass of water with whatever you're drinking.  Go sip-for-sip between water and the other and you'll feel fuller, take in more nutrients, and not be so hungover the next morning.

-How to deal with family drama and/or the stress of all those parties and a packed schedule.   

Treat these events like you would when training for a 5K.  You must prepare yourself for what is about to happen physically and mentally.  As in any race, you train for "what if's".  Assure yourself these unknowns will come up at your function.  Stay away from work-related issues and focus on life events, e.g. discussing an upcoming wedding.  Try to be inclusive in conversation as much as possible to avoid leaving others left out and eating mindlessly to pass their time. 

Some of these events can be long and drawn out, so don't feel bad taking a break.  I always volunteer to go on an ice run or walk the dog to get out for a moment and check-in with myself.  We often overlook "me time" during the holidays which is essential to staying on track with your health.