Holiday Stress? 5 Ways to Make it Better
Are the holidays more stressful than enjoyable for you If you can’t wait for December to be over, here are some tips to make the holiday season tolerable - and maybe even enjoyable!
1. ADJUST YOUR EXPECTATIONS: Perfection is not the goal. Don’t worry so much about giving or receiving the perfect gift.
In the past couple of weeks I’ve been doing an informal survey with kids and adults, asking them, “What did you get for Christmas last year?” And you know what? Most people don’t remember.
The lesson to parents: don’t fret so much about getting your kids the latest and greatest toy. It’s not going to damage them emotionally, and they’re not going to end up hating you. In my 30+ years of doing therapy, NO ONE has EVER complained about what they did or didn’t get for Christmas.
2. SHOPPING: Think of the rush of activities as an adventure rather than an ordeal. If it’s raining or snowing when you must go shopping, all the better for your challenge. Attitude really does make a difference. Also, remind yourself that you are doing this voluntarily. No one is forcing you.
Hate shopping, but have to buy gifts? Here are some options:
- Buy gift certificates, magazine subscriptions. Buy online.
- Shop early and get it over with. Waiting till later prolongs your stress.
- Once you’re out shopping, decide you’re going to make the best of it. Grumbling about your ordeal only makes you focus more on the negative.
- While in the stores, do something kind for someone else, such as letting the person go first to the cashier. It will put you in the holiday spirit of giving.
3. TRAFFIC AND PARKING: Penn State football games have worse traffic and parking than any mall, but hardly anyone complains. Why? Because they have adjusted their expectations and are mentally prepared to allow more time - it’s just part of the activity itself. You can apply the same logic to shopping trips.4. SOCIAL GATHERINGS: Don’t dwell on yourself or on what people are thinking of you. Focus on others and find something interesting about them, even if it’s only a novel tie that they¹re wearing. You will be less self-conscious and better able to enjoy yourself.
5. DE-COMMERCIALIZE:
- Connect with someone you haven’t talked to in a long time. You’ve probably been meaning to do this for a long time. Now is a good time.
- Find opportunities to help others.
- Take time to play with or read to your kids. They will remember these times and tell their kids about them.
- Show your appreciation with a thank-you, a smile or a hug (or all three.) It takes just a moment, but it can make a person’s day. Even better, write a note of appreciation to someone who is important to you. Don’t be surprised if that person keeps the note for years to come.