5 Tips to Take the Stress Out of the Holidays
The holiday season is such a wonderful time of year. Friends, family, and good cheer abound! Unfortunately, we all know that preparing for the family dinners, guests coming to town, parties, and present buying creates an incredible amount of stress, too. We all have busy lives, and the reality is that we cannot put our day-to-day responsibilities on the back-burner while we prepare for the festivities. In an effort to restore your holiday cheer, I’ve come up with 5 actions that will allow you to “destress” this season and enjoy the holidays in peace.
1. New perspective on an old task. This can be anything holiday-related! Maybe your Christmas card list has gotten out of hand over the years, or the pressure to create the perfect photo card is weighing heavily. Shorten the list and get a meaningful store-bought card, instead. The recipient will still appreciate the thought…even if it doesn't have “photographer quality” shots! Maybe you have fallen into a decorating rut at the holidays, sticking with the same decorations, colors, etc. This year, try something new! Make paper chains for the tree instead of using the garland or ribbons. This will give it an organic look AND give you some quiet crafting time with the kids. Play some Christmas music and talk about all the good things that happened that day.
2. Throw away the list and create experiences. The wallet takes a hit in December- there is no denying it. We make lists and notes (and more lists) hoping to ensure that all of our loved ones are full of happiness on Christmas morning. The truth is: People associate memories with experiences. It doesn't have to be a trip to a far-off destination, but maybe explore a place that is just a short drive away! Invest in outdoor equipment like snowshoes, cross-country skis, good hiking boots, or ice skates that the family can using together over the years. This is why my kids are outdoor enthusiasts and healthy young adults! Not to mention the fact that we have about a MILLION family memories because of it.
3. Say "no" sometimes. This is so HARD! It is easy to get caught up in the "yes" wave and let it push you along until you’re at your wits end. Make this the year that you only do the things that make you happy and that won't spread you too thin. In the grand scheme of things, you aren't going to ruin anyone's Christmas party because you weren't there. And your kids will survive if you don't take them to every holiday event they ask to go to! I saw a news clip the other day that floored me: The anchor was talking about supply chain issues, suggesting that you "talk to your kids and ask them to be flexible about the gifts they receive". Clearly things have gotten out of hand. Reign it in... you won't regret it.
4. Stick to the tried-and-true. Holidays are not the time to test out a new recipe, especially if you're hosting the family or having a party. Keep it traditional and simple. Hosting can be stressful enough, so don't get caught up trying to be Julia Childs and 'wow' the group. Prepare a lovely meal where friends, family, and YOU can relax and enjoy one another's company!
5. Find time for some outdoor exercise. Heading out into the New England cold seems daunting, but your mind reaps the reward almost immediately, relieving stress after only five minutes in the fresh air (seriously!) Working out is also one of the best ways to calm anxiety. In fact, research has shown that it promotes the release of endorphins, which act like a tranquilizer on the brain. Plus, exercise blunts the effects of stress hormones like cortisol. So, be sure to schedule your outside time each day. It's as important, or even more important, than a lot of those other tasks on your list. Taking care of yourself is your gift to YOU. Don't be a Scrooge.