Holiday stress is incredibly common, but there are ways to ease the pressure and find joy during the season. Here are some practical tips:
1. Prioritize What Matters Most
• Decide what traditions or events are truly important to you and your family. It’s okay to say no to things that don’t align with your priorities.
2. Simplify Gift-Giving
• Use the “Want, Need, Wear, Read” method for kids or try Secret Santa for extended family to cut down on the number of gifts to buy. Alternatively, consider giving experiences instead of things.
3. Set Realistic Expectations What’s it truly about?
• The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Let go of the pressure for everything to look like a Hallmark movie, and focus on making meaningful memories instead. Remember the movie bad moms Christmas? It was a little bit rough, but all those women were trying to stand up and be just like their mother’s and present a perfect Christmas or be expected to not disappoint their parents.
I feel that way sometimes myself.
I also have a habit of not setting realistic expectations, thinking that if I just buy things that people will like them without thinking about the fact that The holidays are more about being together and making amends with family and friends being kind to one another and trying to just enjoy the times. My happiest memories were of all my family being together my cousins, and I playing my grandfather, cooking my mom wrapping gifts. My dog barking the weather being cold. Being on winter break and out of school so I could see my friends it wasn’t the gift. It was the people it was the food. It was the festivities. It was the smells, and the emotion that came celebrating the holiday.
4. Create a Budget and Stick to It
• Financial stress can amplify during the holidays. Plan your expenses in advance and avoid overcommitting to expensive activities or gifts. Believe it or not most people do not want nor expect expensive gifts. They generally just want something that’s meaningful or thoughtful or even something that you made. Remember, it’s always a thought that counts and none of us should be under pressure to financially burden further, especially with credit card debt.
5. Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care
• Carve out time to relax, even if it’s just 15 minutes with a cup of tea or a short walk. Breathing exercises, mindfulness apps, or even holiday movies can help you reset.
6. Share Responsibilities
• Delegate tasks, whether it’s asking family to bring dishes for holiday meals or dividing decorating duties with the kids. You don’t have to do everything yourself.
7. Set Boundaries
• Politely but firmly establish boundaries with family or friends if holiday gatherings feel overwhelming. It’s okay to leave early or skip events if needed.
8. Focus on Gratitude
• Remind yourself and your family of what you’re grateful for during the season. Reflecting on positive moments can help counteract stress.
Remember the most important things for life are not things.
With love,
Michelle
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