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Reduce Holiday Stress

The holiday season is usually thought of as a happy, joyous time, spent family and friends. Although the holidays may be full of excitement, they are also full of stress and for some, distress. Holiday stress may be caused by the change in your normal routine, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, and family concerns. To reduce stress consider the following:

• Know your spending limits. Do not let yourself get caught up in the media produced shopping frenzy. A small, and personal gift is more meaningful that an impersonal expensive one.
    
• Be yourself. Don't pressure yourself to be the idealized image portrayed in the holiday movies or commercials. Keep expectations manageable. Set limits for yourself and your children. Decide on a few holiday traditions that are truly important to your family and make them a priority.
     
• Don't try to make this holiday session the best ever or try to recreate a previous holiday. Each holiday is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Do something for someone else. Giving to the less fortunate helps us remember the true meaning of the holidays.
     
• If you have experienced a loss and want to avoid festivities because they are out of sync with how you really feel, share your feelings with your friends. They often want to help, but are not sure how. By sharing your feelings and needs, you are allowing them to understand and to give to you, thus relieving pressure from all of you.
     
• A Christmas Wish List is just that, a wish list. Do not think that you have to buy your child every thing that he or she wishes for. Choose only the items that your child will enjoy or benefit from the most. Quality versus quantity is a good guideline to follow.
     
• Don't drink too much. Excessive drinking can make you feel depressed. Spend time with people who are supportive and who care about you. Balance the time spent with those you feel obligated to socialize with, with those you enjoy and truly want to be with.
     
• Find time for yourself. Enjoy life and the wonder of the season.
     
• Get plenty of rest.

If you continue to feel stressed or have "holiday blues", your feelings may be more about other issues than the holidays. Consider talking to a close friend, spouse, or counselor about your feelings.

Have a Happy Holiday season!

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