A Few Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress

As you have most likely already noticed, the holidays are going to be here before we know it. While this time of the year is a lot of fun, it can also become a big headache with everything that goes on. However, the tips below will help you reduce your holiday stress so you can thoroughly enjoy everything the holidays have to offer you and your family.

• Decide on the “Must Do’s” – In America, there have been so many holiday traditions started that it’s nearly impossible to do them all. For instance, picking out a Christmas tree, hanging lights on the house, sending holiday cards, buying gifts for everyone in the family (and friends), hosting one or two holiday parties, attending annual parties hosted by friends, baking holiday dinners and/or treats and the list goes on and on
  This year, sit down with your family and decide on what activities truly make the holidays special for you. Then, make those activities your priority this holiday season. Learn to say “no” to the other less important things and you will be able to really enjoy the season
• Get Shopping Done Early – Sure, you can catch some great sales by waiting until the last minute to do your holiday shopping, but is the stress really worth it? If you do not have a high tolerance for stress then get your holiday shopping done before the first week of December. This includes everything from gifts to formalwear for the kids. Get it done early and then sit back and enjoy the season doing other, more important things with your family
• Stay Away from the Grinch – We all know someone who is a Grinch around the holidays. These are the people who always find something to complain about and bring everyone’s mood down as a result. During the holiday season, stay away from these people! The last thing you want is to be put in a bad mood because you’ve spent an hour talking to the Grinch. This will undoubtedly rub off on your family and the day will be ruined, not to mention, your stress level will rise too. So, keep company with only happy, upbeat people this holiday season if you want a joyful holiday season this year!