As lovely as the holidays are, they can be a magnet for stress. How can we take the stress out of the holiday season and enjoy it more? Here are some suggestions…
We are now firmly in the holiday season. The lights are hung, the trees are up, and Advent has begun. I love this time and wait for it all year long.
But with so many things to do in such a short period of time, it can easily become the most stressful part of my year. Do thoughts of Christmas and New Year’s fill you with dread instead of anticipation? Are you more concerned with surviving the holiday season than enjoying it?
Well, you’re not alone. 44% of women experience an increase in stress during the holidays. So, how do you take the stress out of the holiday season so that you can enjoy this special time? Ask yourself this:
Are the things that you’re doing enhancing or detracting from the reason for the season — the celebration of Jesus’ birth?
[Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see below for more details]
It’s ridiculously easy to get caught up in all the traditions and plans and events that characterize these last few weeks of the year. What starts as a genuine wish to celebrate the season and gather close to loved ones can quickly devolve into hectic, busy schedules filled with parties and elaborate to-dos that leave us frazzled and cranky.
Not to say that any of those things are bad. In fact, they are probably really great. I love Christmas parties, Elf on the Shelf, reading Christmas books, and donating gifts. I love Christmas pageants and concerts, Secret Santas, and giving and getting holiday cards.
But we are only one person (or in some of our cases, one person in charge of many little persons), so taking part in all of those activities leaves us feeling drained, rather than renewed.
Did you know that the Sunday before Advent begins is Christ the King Sunday? It is the equivalent of New Year’s Eve on the liturgical calendar. And just as we celebrate the beginning of the New Year on January 1st with a renewal of spirit and health, so should we consider the Advent season.
Focus on the things that bring joy into the season.
Take part in the activities that bring you closer to God and your family and friends, instead of striving to do everything, and make it look Pinterest-worthy at that. Don’t look back on this month with relief that it’s over, but rather with contentment for all that you’ve done that has brought you feelings of peace and love.
Some other things that can help take the stress out of the holidays…
Cut corners
For a long time, I thought I had to make the Christmas cookie dough from scratch. But in the last few years, I’ve just bought it and am so happy that I do. That one saved step takes a lot of stress out of what is a fun and festive tradition with my kids. And if you only have time to buy those cookies for Santa’s plate, then go for it.
Stop trying for perfect
Creating the perfect Christmas card or finding “the” gift can be exhausting, not to mention lead to holiday cards that get sent in January. Remember that this season comes every year and one gift that doesn’t wow or a card with one kid not smiling will not be the end of the world.
Don’t overplan your time
I can easily rack up a “Christmas reading list” that would keep me busy until Easter and sign myself up for multiple Advent studies. But then I’d spend the entire season huddled with my nose in my Kindle. Choose one thing, maybe two. Again, there’s always next year.
Don’t overcommit your family
I can be just as enthusiastic with our family traditions. The books we read, the movies, the cookies, the decorating, and the gifts. So, I have to be careful to be just as selective with what we do as with my own time.
Plan for next year
Save yourself the headache by wrapping the lights so they don’t tangle, making a gift list throughout the year, and making a note of what was good this year and what wasn’t.
Each year, I gather 25 books to read with the kids from December 1st until Christmas. I have an ongoing list of which books were their favorites and which were not, so when I get them from the library around Thanksgiving time, I already know what I’m choosing. Anything that saves me trouble next year, I try to do this year.
I hope that these things help you have a less stressful holiday. Enjoy the time you have with your loved ones and celebrate the beauty of the season. It may mean saying no to certain activities, but it also means saying yes to a relaxed and peaceful Christmas and New Year’s.
How do you take the stress out of your holiday? I’d love to hear what your family does in the comments!
Looking for more posts about Christmas and the holidays? Check out these:
How to Manage Holiday Stress & Spend Less
Christmas Books and Movies for the Whole Family
The Best Christmas Traditions (according to our family)
How to Keep Post-Holiday Clutter from Taking Over Your Home
[Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and I never recommend anything I haven’t used myself and loved.]
Leave a Reply