How to Reduce Holiday Stress

The month of December can be a whirlwind of decorating, parties, shopping, planning, baking, wrapping, socializing, and traveling. For some this is, as the old song says, the "most wonderful time of the year." For others, it can be a filled with stress and anxiety. The pressure, for some, to create perfect holiday memories can be overwhelming and instead of taking time to enjoy the holiday season, they often miss most of it's most precious moments because they are so busy.

There are steps you can take to reduce your stress this holiday season. By making a few changes, you too will be enjoying this "most wonderful time of the year."

Set Realistic Expectations

Make a list of everything you want to accomplish during the Christmas season. Whether it's parties or nights of caroling, or shopping, write everything down. Then, for each item ask yourself these 3 questions:

Do I NEED to do it?

Is it NICE to do it?

Is it NUTS to do it?

Determine which things must get done and do those first. If there is time left over, focus on the items that are nice to do. Let the other things go. Don't try to be a perfectionist. First of all, it's impossible, and second, you will wear yourself out.

Say No

It's always hard to say No, especially when you really do want to help. Remember, you are only going to become more stressed if you say yes, and then resent everything you have to do to fulfill your commitment. Just say no! If you don't know how to say no without being rude, practice saying the following phrases over and over until you have them memorized: "I don't have any more room in my calendar", "I have another commitment", "I can't, but I know someone else who might be able to help". Post these and other polite phrases next to your phone. You know what your limits are and owe it to yourself and your family not to exceed them unnecessarily.

Delegate

Maybe your 8 year old doesn't decorate the Christmas tree the same way you would, but how much would she enjoy helping you with this task? Maybe the frosting on the sugar cookies won't be as neatly spread if your 12 year old takes on this task, but how much more meaningful will it be when she takes the cookies to the neighbors when she's had a hand in preparing them? Your husband will not wrap a gift with as much flair and as little tape as you will, but having him help with this task will save you time. Besides, the gift wrap isn't what most people are interested in. If you delegate tasks, others will feel more involved and you will have time to do some of the other things on your list.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

A sure way to increase your stress is to venture out at the last minute enduring thick crowds, long lines and packed parking lots to get something for Christmas. Give yourself a deadline, and if things are not completed by that date, just let them go. Work from your list and keep asking yourself the three questions: Need to do? Nice to do? Nuts to do?

Take Time to Think About What Christmas Means to You

Is Christmas a time to spend with family? Is it a time to worship? Is it a time for food? It can be all of those things, and more. Decide what is most important about the holidays for you and focus on that. When you do this, it will be easier to let things go that may be nice, and will possibly be "nuts", but don't add to what is most important.

Take Time For Yourself

Entertaining and shopping can be tiring pursuits. Take a night off and make a cup of hot cocoa, pop in a DVD and relax.

The Christmas Season doesn't have to be a time of stress and anxiety. Follow these suggestions to enjoy yourself and relax this Christmas.