Keep Holiday Stress under Control this December – 5 Ways to Minimize Holiday Stress
December is here and along with the festive atmosphere comes holiday stress. Holiday stress can effect everyone, even people who do not celebrate the holidays this time of year. It is hard to avoid the frantic pace, overcrowded restaurants, packed parking lots, gridlock on the streets, and congested shopping malls. There are many sources of holiday stress: credit card debit, end of year work demands, packed social calendar, lack of sleep, over indulgence of rich foods and alcohol, and even the anticipation of family gatherings can bring on the stress.
This year take some steps to minimize your holiday stress and enjoy the last month of 2015.
1. Calendar Crisis Management
Take charge of your calendar in December. Pick and choose the events that are most important and don’t feel guilty about turning down or rescheduling others to the new year. You will have a lot of affairs to balance: work deadlines, work events, family events, children’s parties, concerts, and pageants, and social gatherings with friends and neighbours. Be prepared, know yourself and don’t overbook. Some people are happy to be out every night of the week, while other people need downtime at home. There will be a lot of pressure on your time, so make sure you schedule time to relax and take time out to do the things you enjoy.
2. Money Matters and Credit Card Debit
A big part of holiday stress comes from overspending and credit card debit. Make a plan ahead of time and set a budget. Also be prepared for last minute invites that will require extra cash for gifts, dinner out, and drinks. Consider paying with your debit card or cash to keep control of your holiday spending. If you prefer to use your credit card, and don’t want to miss out on the chance to collect travel points, use a smart phone app track your receipts.
If your budget is limited this year, consider some of the alternative gift giving ideas below or plan your gift exchange in the new year and shop the sales in January.
3. Shopping – love it or hate it – December is the month of Retail Madness
If you love shopping, you may look forward to the crowds and the challenge of finding the perfect gift. For those that thrive on the holiday shopping frenzy, hit the shops early and often – enjoy! But if you dread the shopping mall, consider shopping local main street, craft shows or shop on-line from the comfort of your couch. Another option to is to plan a get-together in January or February and shop the January sales when things are less busy.
4. Alternative to Gift Giving
Many people are opting to reduce their holiday shopping and focus on simpler gift ideas. Getting together with family or friends to share time is one of the most important parts of the holiday season. Start a new holiday tradition that involves something you enjoy doing.
Some popular alternatives to gift giving include:
- Tickets to an event, show, theatre, live music…
- Home made gifts
- Donations to charities
- Host a food related event such as a pot luck, dinner party, wine and cheese, or cookie exchange – send everyone home with extras packed in take out containers
- Organize a group of friends or work colleagues to volunteer at the local food bank or enter a walk, run, bike or other active charitable event
- Get a group together and sponsor a family for the holidays
- Collect donations of clothing, household items, furniture or cash for refugee families
- If you love to read, pass on some of your favourite books (or book suggestions for the e-reader)
- Offer your services to help someone out – dog walk, house sit, babysit, home repairs, ….
- Host a “white elephant” gift exchange and have some laughs “stealing” gifts from each other
5. Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself
Try to schedule some time for your normal routine. Make time for exercise. Make sure you eat well in between parties and events. There will be lots of extra treats this month, so plan to eat some lighter meals on the evenings you are at home. Take time to do things you enjoy with your family or friends – watch a movie, go to see live theatre or music, attend a sporting event, or get active: go skating, rock climbing, swimming, play pick up hockey or basketball, bring the family on a walk with the dog, or plan a group run with friends. Tobogganing is not looking too promising in Southern Ontario this December, but the golf courses might still be open. Put on a smile and don’t let other people’s short tempers spoil your day. Enjoy the Holidays!
