The holidays are supposed to fun and joyous. Children should be frolicking, adults caroling, the aroma of fresh baked cakes and pies in the air, and laughter in the halls—at least that’s what I see on greeting cards and Hallmark specials. In real life, the holiday season is the most stressful time of year for many people.
According to a Harris Interactive poll of 2,173 adults, 90% experience some level of anxiety around the holidays and the biggest concerns are gift giving and familial relationships. With 10% unemployment, the pressures of the season will likely increase for many.
So how do we get to a happier, less stressful holiday?
Let’s deal with three key areas directly: your mindset, money/gifts and relationships:
-
First, make a conscious decision to enjoy yourself. Write a list of what you love and dislike about the holidays then make a personal resolution to eliminate as many of the negatives as possible and to indulge more in the things you love to do.
-
Set clear boundaries and expectations with your loved ones about your time, your money, and your energy. Make sure you share your boundaries with everyone impacted and tell them how these changes will help everyone have a better holiday.
-
Prioritize everything in order of importance. Holidays can be extremely busy with parties, shopping, and your regular daily tasks. By setting a list of priorities, you can focus on the things that really matter.
-
Give yourself permission to cut back. If you make the entire Thanksgiving dinner, this year have a potluck. If you buy gifts for everyone in your family, this year pick names or limit the gifts to just the children. If you have family members who work your nerves, limit contact with.
-
Most importantly, never cut your "me time" and feel free to take personal time outs. Typically, if we have to cut time to make everyone else happy, that's what we do. This holiday is about making you happier, so don't cut into your personal time.
This year, try these tips for a very merry and blissful Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas!
To see Celest's appearance on The Daily Buzz, click here.
