Reducing Stress over the Christmas Holiday Period
It is no secret that the Christmas holiday period is one of the most stressful times of the year. Pressures caused by over-spending, family commitments, health concerns and reflecting on another year gone by, can all add up to emotional turmoil. For many people, the feeling that this is supposed to be a happy time only makes things worse.
The trick to overcoming these stresses is to stop blaming Christmas for any problems and focus instead on the specific causes of stress. Then, with a little forward planning and a little time for everyday fun, most of the hassles can be avoided.
Financial pressures
Christmas festivities and gift giving can add up to unusual levels of spending, and no-one wants to have their Christmas ruined by financial guilt. The best thing is to have a clear budget in mind, and to use cash rather than credit cards whenever possible. It may be a wise move to set aside a little money each week that is specifically for Christmas.
It’s also a good idea to set a limit on the cost of presents. This may mean buying fewer or less expensive gifts, or buying for a smaller number of people. Try to shop early to avoid annoying Christmas rushes and to take advantage of sales.
Financial stress can also be caused by buying the wrong presents; there’s nothing worse than spending good money on an unwanted gift. It can also be extremely disappointing for the buyer to know they’ve bought the wrong thing, so lift some of the pressure by directly asking family and friends what they would like, or indirectly, via a third party.
Budgets should also be extended to food and drink. There’s really no need to buy or eat extravagant foods over the holiday period, or to eat until bursting. If a large gathering is expected, suggest that everyone brings along a plate for a buffet style meal.
Family pressures
The expectation of families coming happily together is a major reason for Christmas stress. If there are already tensions within a family group, accept that things are unlikely to be any different over the holidays. In fact, things may be worse because of other seasonal pressures.
Keep in mind that if the alcohol is flowing, these tensions may bubble to the surface. Try to make the get together a time for bonding instead, by arranging some group activities. Share the jobs too, so that resentment doesn’t arise over the cooking and tidying duties.
The other side of all this is the feeling of missing certain people at Christmas time. If friends or relatives are far away, get in touch by phone or Skype them. The situation is a little different for people who have lost loved ones, either through bereavement or separation, but perhaps it is best to talk about things and remember the good times.
The important thing is not to feel isolated at Christmas. If it looks like the festive season will be spent alone, attend a Carols by Candlelight or volunteer to help at a charity lunch.
Health concerns
This is often the forgotten cause of Christmas stress. Regular routines are broken and diets change, with the result that it’s easy to feel tired and frustrated.
Try to eat healthy food whenever possible and drink plenty of water. This will help to keep energy levels up and do something to alleviate the lethargy caused by Christmas gluttony. Get plenty of sleep, even if it means leaving a couple of parties early. Get plenty of exercise too, with friends or family members if possible. Share a walk or an active game on the Wii.
Reflecting
The twelve days of Christmas incorporate the end of a year, but they are also a time for renewal. Rather than dwelling on the failures and disappointments of the year just passed, celebrate the good moments and plan for the year ahead. Make resolutions, even if there’s no intention of keeping them.
Christmas is also a great time to patch things up with estranged family and friends. No matter how negative a person’s feelings are about this time of year, there is a Christmas spirit of “goodwill to all” that seems to help people mend fences. Get in touch with those you’d like to be on good terms with, wishing them good fortune in the year ahead. If necessary, apologise. Above all, however, try to believe that the coming year will be a good one.
Understanding what to expect over Christmas is the key to creating a stress free holiday. Plan ahead and maintain a positive attitude, and this Christmas just might be the best one yet. And, of course, if all else fails, just remember that at least it only happens once a year!
