Five Ways to Tackle Holiday Stress

We’re full swing into the holidays now, and while it is a wondrous time of year, it can also bring with it a heap of stress.  Here are some tried and true ways to keep the problems at a minimum so you can enjoy the season to the max!

1. Don’t harbor unrealistic expectations.  Unlike television and the movies, no-one’s life is perfect…and just like the rest of the year, there are going to be everyday bumps throughout the season. Homework or car keys lost, traffic jams,  laundry undone.  Recognize this in advance, so when these little problems arise you don’t feel like they reflect upon the holiday season as a whole.
2. Make gift-giving easy.  Certainly there are going to be those special friends and family members that you’re going to want to shop to find The Perfect Gift, but you don’t have spend hours shopping for each person on your list.  Gift cards are your friend! You can still tailor it a bit to suit their personalities; give your creative co-worker a gift card to her favorite crafting store, and your techy cousin one to an electronics store.  This is a great way to save money on postage for those who live far away, too!
3. When making plans, don’t feel you need to see everyone ON the holidays DAYS themselves.  Nothing says “Bah Humbug” Christmas day more than schlepping the kids from one house to the next to visit everyone.  Remember it’s the holiday season, and it’s okay to celebrate with family and friends on days other than the actual holiday.
4. Take care of yourself.  Eat well, drink your water, get plenty of sleep, exercise, BREATH! Sure you’re going to over-indulge some days, but don’t let those bad habits take over.  You’ll not only thank yourself in January, but you’ll be better equipped physically to deal with the demands of the season.
5. It’s okay to say no!  Don’t let that social calendar fill up so much that you don’t have time to relax. You don’t have to accept every invitation to dinner, and you don’t have to sign up for every holiday charitable function.  Leave time for you and your family to just do nothing.  Those are the best times of all, and the ones you’ll probably remember most fondly.