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It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
However, for many, it can be a stressful time of year as well. The holiday season is upon us, ripe with family gatherings, work parties, gift exchanges, faith observances, and many other celebratory traditions. But amid baking cookies, shopping for loved ones, and hosting parties, it’s common to feel overwhelmed – even stressed – around the holidays.
In fact, a 2023 poll conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed that 89% of U.S. adults experience stress during the holiday season. The causes vary, but the results are the same: conflicting feelings of joy and angst.
However, there are ways to avoid common stressors and experience greater peace and cheer in the weeks ahead. Below are 10 tips to have a more tranquil holiday season.
Overspending or not having enough to spend was the number-one source of stress in the APA’s survey. Consumer culture, relentless marketing, and even a well-intentioned desire to bless as many people as possible can all contribute to overspending. Creating and adhering to a holiday budget for gift-giving and travel can help mitigate sky-high credit card bills and financial strife. After all, you shouldn’t book The Plaza Hotel with dad’s credit card.
Invitations to holiday gatherings will fill your mailboxes and inboxes alike, but it’s not impolite to decline a few. Prioritize events and gatherings that facilitate quality time with family and friends. Too many fun celebrations, outings and trips will leave you feeling tired and overwhelmed.
Don’t let the tyranny of the urgent overshadow the blessing of what’s most important: creating lifelong memories with family. While offices and schools are closed, work and other obligations can take a backseat to meaningful connection and unforgettable experiences with the ones that matter most. While you’re with family, challenge yourself to put your devices away as well. Miles Finch can wait; the days off are for Buddy and Michael!
Leaving most of the cookies for Santa and being mindful of food and alcohol consumption can help you feel physically better during the holiday season and do your immune system a favor leading into peak flu season, as well. Both sugar and alcohol are known to exacerbate stress, so try to indulge in moderation.
Staying physically healthy is important, but looking after your mental health can make the season brighter, too. You can mitigate conflict with family and friends by setting healthy boundaries. Establish clear expectations for family visits (especially with cousin Eddie), make unified decisions with your spouse, and avoid talking politics at the dinner table!
Many who celebrate Christmas hold that “Jesus is the reason for the season,” and in his own words, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” Helping those in need around us can be rewarding, fun, and a great teaching opportunity for children. Whether serving in a soup kitchen or donating to a toy drive, there are countless ways around the holidays to give of your time, treasure and talent. Be warned that if you do, your heart might grow three sizes.
Exercise has long been known to help relieve stress and improve mental health. Whether you travel from the North Pole to Manhattan by way of the candy cane forest, duke it out in an epic snowball fight, or just walk around your neighborhood, be sure to spend time doing things you enjoy outside this holiday season. Just don’t shoot your eye out!
Few of us can deck the halls like Martha Stewart, and that’s OK! While many people take great joy in decorating their homes for the holidays, some feel the pressure of perfectionism – ensuring that everything looks just right for visiting family and friends. Rather than jeopardizing the power grid like Clark Griswold, keep things simple and to your taste. There’s no need to hold yourself to a Better Homes & Gardens standard.
For some people, the holidays bring feelings of loneliness, grief and sadness. It may be the first major holiday without a loved one, or a reminder of happier times bygone. Be mindful of what those around you are going through, and give yourself the grace and space to process your own emotions. It’s OK if it is not the most wonderful time of the year. Several local churches are holding Blue Christmas services in advance of the holiday.
“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” an exasperated Charlie Brown asked in the 1965 animated “Peanuts” special. His friend Linus simply answered by quoting Luke 2 in the Bible: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the lord.” Whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa or another holiday, leave space to celebrate its true meaning. Attend a service, re-read religious passages, and try not to lose the true meaning of the holiday amid the many festivities and gift-giving.
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