The countdown is officially on. Whether the thought of the holidays and New Year’s gives you a thrill – or motivates you to hide under the covers – chances are, the pending season will impact your household’s stress load. Here are five ways to navigate the next five weeks for maximum comfort and enjoyment – with minimum stress and meltdowns.
Boundaries are number one. Think carefully about what you’re willing to commit to, based on prior experience. For example, perhaps hosting holiday dinners makes you stressed. Why not ask another family member or a friend to step up? Or, if you can afford it, get creative and hire a chef or order a take-out holiday meal. Perhaps you simply need to simplify the menu this year or ask dinner guests to contribute. A potluck holiday dinner is a great way to share in the enjoyment and meal preparation.
Stick to a budget. A big part of the stress of the holidays is the expense. This year, set a realistic budget and commit to it. It may help to allocate your budget in cash, spending only that allotment. Or set up a separate holiday account to be sure you stick within your limits. Let people know if you’re on a tighter budget so you won’t feel self-conscious by going lighter on festivities and presents. Remember, it’s the experience of the holidays – yours included – that’s most memorable.
Be good to yourself. Add your name to your holiday list and treat yourself to something nice. It could just be a special coffee, a forest walk, a movie, a new pair of pyjamas or a second-hand CD. The point is, that you can use this special time of the year to be giving to yourself, too.
Do you really want to eat that? Overindulging is one of the most common ways we sabotage our enjoyment of the holidays, with binge eating and drinking leaving us feeling bloated, hungover, disappointed and sad. Set a goal to make positive choices in general, with room for extra treats on occasion. You’ll feel stronger and empowered for setting limits, while saving room for more deliberate indulgences when circumstances (i.e. a fabulous dessert or charcuterie tray) warrant it.
Be realistic, be kind and say no. The holidays will come and go regardless of our level of organization and participation and this reality is actually pretty liberating. Soon it will be January 2, 2018. You can’t possibly do it all between now and then, so why not just go with the flow, say “no” when you need to, be kind and enjoy it. We’re all doing our best even if we’re struggling at times. So, let’s be patient, offer a smile or random act of kindness and get through this beautiful season of giving and peace together – as friends, family and community.
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