If you are like me you do not want to go through another stressful holiday season. It’s difficult not to get pulled right into the same pattern every year. Before Thanksgiving is over the Christmas blitz has already begun. You are bombarded with ads and expectations for what needs to be done and what Christmas is supposed to look like. From family and work parties to budgeting for all the presents that need to be purchased to cooking and decorating. There truly is so much that goes into the traditional American Christmas Holiday that it is stressful to just think about getting started. There is a way to take the stress out of your holiday but you cannot do it without a plan.
Get Deliberate
No matter what traditions that you have subscribed to in the past you can control how you spend your time this season. Tame your holiday stress by putting the meaning back into it and take the stress out. Whether is is your religious beliefs or your deeply rooted family traditions that you are seeking to get back to the heart of, you must become deliberate about what is truly important for you and your family.
Don’t Feel Guilty
In order to take the stress from your Holiday season I have a few tips. Use them as a guide to minimize your stress. Please allow yourself not to feel guilty about focusing on the intangible spirit of the season instead of the amount of presents purchased, parties attended and twinkling lights on your house.
6 Tips To Tame The Stress:
Gratitude
First start with gratitude. Make a list of all that you are grateful for in your life. What do you appreciate? When you start from a place of deep appreciation it will frame your entire perspective as you kick off the holiday season. You may need to add to your list throughout the holidays to stay grounded and keep from getting frustrated or stressed. When feeling stressed and overwhelmed pick up the gratitude list and turn your focus back to what you appreciate. When we focus on what is already good in our lives and what is already going right it gives you positive energy to deal with the stress that comes in waves during this time of year.
Identify What Is Meaningful
Second – Think of what you value the most during previous holidays. Is it the the time spent at parties and dinners? Is it seeing family you have not seen in a while? Is it a family tradition you always do each year such as having a baking day or making gingerbread houses with the children? Is it volunteering and being of service? Be sure to identify what is the most meaningful moments and prioritize them. Remove everything that does not add to or support that which you value.
Revise Your To-Do List
Third – Make your normal holiday “to-do” list. Then start making some major cuts from the list. Consider if the things on your list reflect your values or if you find them meaningful. And do not feel guilty about things you need to cut out.
Don’t Overspend
Fourth – Do not let gift giving cause you to overspend. Set realistic limits within your budget and do not go over. You may not be able to afford to buy a gift for everyone you wish. Consider doing something nice for them instead. A dish of homemade cookies and handwritten note or card from the heart means so much. If it sounds corny or you think they will not appreciate it then I assure you that is not a true friend or valued relationship.
Be Present
Fifth – Be present. Whatever gatherings or activities you have chosen to participate, mentally show up and be present. Do not think about your to-do list or the next anything (after all we already edited your to do list so your holiday can be more carefree) Enjoy this moment! Take in the conversations and laughter and make this time count. Only focus on now.
Dealing With Grief
Using these tips can also help you make room for dealing with grief. Be sure to include ways to memorialize your loved one throughout the holidays. Take alone time prior to gatherings to honor them personally. I have found if I let the moments go by without a tribute to them in some way, I feel more sad and stressed. If I take a few moments to bring them into the moment by either saying a few words in their memory I feel they are included and not forgotten or left behind.
Taming the holiday stress will take a small bit of planning but you will not regret it. You will feel empowered that you have taken control over what can be a very stressful time. Let’s do a little less, experience the moments more and feel our happiness grow for the holidays.
Remember to always be true to yourself and enjoy the journey!
Jen to the Zen