Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

The holiday music has been playing in the stores since just after Halloween, but I always feel like the season really ramps up in December. The holidays are busy, and everyone has expectations about what celebrations should look like. This can put a lot of pressure on people. Emotions can be high as families come together, so it's important to remember to take care of yourself.

Before going into the holiday season, ask yourself what you might need to manage your expectations, family dynamics, or workload. Is there anything you can change/control here? Here are some ideas to ponder:

• Don’t over schedule yourself, you don’t need to go to every event you are invited to. It is okay to say “no” to requests and invites.

  
  

• Are you hosting a meal or event? Ask guests to bring a dish to share to help take the load off.

  
  

• When it comes to gift giving, you could draw names to help keep the costs and consumption down. This means less time in busy malls, and it is easier on the budget.

  
  

• Prioritize the things that keep you grounded. Do you need to maintain your exercise routine? Carve out alone or rest time during all the busyness?

  
  

• Think about what boundaries you might need – what topics are off limits at family gatherings (perhaps it is politics, religion, finances)? It can help to have a one-liner prepared like, “I’d rather not discuss that at Christmas dinner, let’s save that conversation for another time”.

  
  

• The holidays can be extra tough when you are grieving the loss of a loved one, be gentle with yourself, seek support, and maintain the traditions that feel good to you. This might mean starting a new tradition that includes remembering the person who has passed.

  
  

• Give yourself permission to do what works for you and your family.

I hope that the season is good to you and that you find your way through the busy, fun-filled, and exhausting days. See you in 2025!

Lisa xo