06 Dec How to Keep Your Family’s Holidays Stress-Free
Sometimes, the holidays can seem to be anything but happy. Families have increased demands (decorating, additional spending, attending social and family gatherings) and expectations (finding the perfect gift, continuing family traditions, not letting the kids be disappointed).
And the difficulties aren’t just for parents: Children, too, can find the holidays tough. “Changes in routine and structure can be disruptive,” says Carolee Cook, director of recreational therapy for Methodist Family Health. “Add to that the extra stimulation from holiday lights, music, noisy crowds, and even the added excitement of the season. Sometimes it’s just too much for a child or even a teen to handle.”
All these factors can make the holidays less than festive and even downright stressful.
Given this, you might be surprised to learn that December is National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month. Impossible, you say? Not so! Read on for tips to help minimize stress while celebrating – and enjoying! – the season.
How to Keep Your Family’s Holidays Stress-Free
Notice which situations are causing stress, and you’ll be a long way toward reducing it. “The key to minimizing stress is recognizing what’s causing it,” says Cook. “Set realistic expectations and don’t overschedule yourself and your family.”
These tips can help you achieve that, while keeping the holidays joyful.
Plan ahead.
Write down everything you might have to do in the coming weeks. Then, decide what you truly want to do, and what you actually can do during the holidays. Look at your schedule to see what you have physical and emotional space for, and spread out those calendar items so you’re not overwhelmed.
“It’s ok to turn down invitations and activities.” Cook assures us. “Saying yes to things you don’t want to do or don’t have time for can cause stress and make you feel resentful. Prioritize the things you’re excited about.”
Make a budget. And stick to it.
Be honest about what you can afford to spend, including food, decorations, presents, outings and travel. Holidays don’t have to be about buying gifts. Spending more than you can afford can cause stress that lasts beyond the season.
Organize simple family activities.
Plan a sing-along with your holiday playlist. Read a favorite book together. Watch a special family movie.
Or bake and decorate gingerbread people and sugar cookies. Don’t feel pressured to make them from scratch – save time and effort with refrigerated dough from the grocery store.
Get crafty.
Check Pinterest, a craft store or a dollar store for easy, budget-friendly, age-appropriate holiday crafts. Use these to decorate at home or to give as gifts. “Kids love hands-on activities,” Cook says. “Remember that it’s about the enjoyment of doing things together, and not about a perfect end result.”
Avoid the crowds.
Contending with crowds and waiting in long lines are stressful for many. Children especially may not deal well with the noise, the proximity of large numbers of people, or having to stand still for long periods.
If possible, shop when stores are less crowded, such as weekdays. Other options are to order items online for delivery or to order ahead for curbside pickup.
Make allowances for quiet time, or busy time.
If your kids get overstimulated during shopping or holiday activities, make sure you can take a break somewhere quiet. Or, if you know your kids will have to sit or stand still for an extended stretch, take them outside where they can walk, run, jump or play beforehand.
“Above all, be patient with your child,” Cook reminds us. “The holidays can be stressful for them, too.”
Take care of yourself.
Don’t forget the big three: eat healthy food, exercise and get enough sleep. This is harder to do during the holidays, with so many special treats and busy schedules, but make those the exceptions rather than the norms.
Take a walk before dinner or spend time in nature. Eat a healthy snack before a holiday party. Enjoy an exercise or yoga class, at the gym or at home. Take a coffee break.
“Remember to be kind to yourself during the holidays,” Cook tells us. “Listen to yourself and become aware of your stress triggers so you can cope with them before becoming overwhelmed. Set boundaries and say no if you need to. Finding peace during the holidays is absolutely possible.”
If you do feel stressed over the holidays, know that you are not alone feeling that way. Stress and anxiety can persist despite efforts to minimize it. If you feel overwhelmed, or if your stress lasts beyond the holidays, get in touch with your doctor or mental health professional.
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