The holiday season is often expected to be a time of joy and celebration. However, a study found that 45% of people actually dread the winter holidays. Many struggle with stress or even depression during this time. Thankfully, there are ways to manage and reduce these feelings.
### Manage Expectations
Holiday movies and songs often depict perfect celebrations with loved ones. This can lead us to have unrealistic expectations about our own holidays. Disagreements and stress are common when family members spend a lot of time together, and old grievances may resurface. It’s important to accept that your holiday won’t be perfect. Focus on the positive moments and try to let go of the negative ones. Remember, the holiday season is just a small part of the year.
### Plan Ahead
Trying to do too much can add to holiday stress. We all have traditions we want to keep, plus new activities we’d like to try. Combine this with other demands like kids’ school events, winter weather, and work, and it’s easy to see how time slips away. Start planning now. Make lists of things you need to buy, cook, and do for entertaining. Decide on a budget for gifts, food, decorations, and dining out. Budgeting is one of the main sources of holiday stress, so planning early can help you stick to it.
### Do Things in Advance
Once the holidays are in full swing, you’ll be busy with events and other obligations. Start early and get as much done as you can beforehand. Many baked goods can be made ahead and frozen. Even some savory dishes can be prepped in advance and stored until needed. Shopping for gifts now will save you from last-minute stress and give you a better selection to choose from. If you don’t enjoy wrapping gifts, consider using in-store wrapping services, which often support charities.
### Seek Help
You don’t have to handle everything alone. Team up with friends for baking days or exchange baked goods. Consider buying prepared holiday meals to save time and reduce stress, especially if you aren’t hosting a large crowd. Prepared meals let you enjoy the food without all the effort. Get the whole family involved in decorating or hire someone if it’s more than you want to handle.
### Keep Perspective
Accept that your holiday won’t be perfect. It might not snow, and perhaps Grandpa Joe will snore through dinner. Rather than seeing these things as failures, consider them funny stories you’ll laugh about in the future. As long as everyone is safe and sound, count the holiday as a success. Life is short, and your annoying relatives won’t be around forever. Try to appreciate the time you have together and let the small stuff slide.
Happy holidays!