How to Reduce Holday Stress

Most of us find ourselves with added stress during the holiday season. Some of us set expectations too high, for others the added responsibilities bring out their worst. Since the burden of extra activities often falls on women, they may find themselves depressed, instead of in the joy of the season. Some simple ways to reduce holiday stress are to lower expectations, take a less materialistic approach to the season, and reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages

Try to shop earlier and spend more time on an appropriate rather than expensive gift. Do we really need more Chia Pets in landfills? Really bad gifts make less sense than no gift.

Home made gifts can be greatly appreciated and reduce the stress of over extending your budget. Despite the increased in technology, most people have less time. Some simple inexpensive gifts that will save other time: Preparing baked goods a head of time. Everyone loves baked goods. One that makes a great holiday gifts is Amish Bread starts. Other baked ideas is to packages the dry goods for cookies in attractive jars (omit the liquids, butter and eggs.) with the recipe attached. Everybody loves to eat, so home made food items are welcome gifts to all. Older recipients would love groceries. You my mother hates dragging the bundles home. Stock on the staples and same them a trip to the market.

Going out to eat can be less stressful than preparing a meal. Cracker Barrel has a great home still menu that is inexpensive at $6.99. No Shopping, no preparation, no dishes. What a treat. Check out what kind of deals you local market has on pre-made meals. Who has to know it wasn't home made? Spedning quality time with your loved ones will be remember long after the gift is in the landfill. (98 percent of why we purchase is in a landfill 6 months later.) Bing a camera and start a scrap book.

Coupon books can be given for services to provided during the coming year. Make them imaginative. For you romantic partner they can include massages, foot rubs, a sexy lingerie show, or other delightful ideas. Young mothers will appreciate baby sitting, older folks would greatly benefit from snow shoveling. Who couldn't use some help with cleaning services. A coupon book for doing laundry, doing dishes, or walking the dog can be a great gift.

Practical gifts are a great idea. AAA has always been a wonderful gift idea. But a gift of safety can be a life saver. If your loved one drives an older vehicle, make sure they have a warm blanket and jumper cables for their car. Hats and gloves are always needed. (I am still looking for where I put away those items from last year.)

Use your imagination for a creative Christmas. White elephant gift exchanges and Yankee swaps can be a blast. You don't have to go in dept for the next three years to have an enjoyable holiday. A new tradition started in my family is to recycle great books. It takes the stigma out of re-giving. It is also a gift to the world and mother earth. When you think about it what is all the materialism doing to the land fills?

Break some family traditions and start some new ones. Instead of spending the holidays shopping and spending money, drive around and enjoy the lights or Carol instead. Volunteer to visit someone in a nursing home that may not have family.

Avoid alcohol consumption, try some herbal teas instead. The season has a an elevated rate of depression and suicide.

Get in touch with the spirituality of the season and lower your expectations for a stress-free Merry Christmas.