Happiness, Wellness

10 Tips to Reduce Stress over the Holidays

December 5, 2020 by Ellyn Figley No Comments

Tis the season!

Christmas time rolls around, and we get excited to put up our tree, the lights and feel the Christmas energy. Some of us however find this time of year incredibly stressful, sad or exhausting. It is a time where everyone is supposed to be happy or at least pretend to be happy and often, moms have the hardest jobs. We need to do the cleaning, baking and cooking. We need to move the elf around, do the shopping, the wrapping and make sure everyone has Christmas PJ’s or whatever they need on top of our regular duties. It is even more important then ever to reduce stress over the holidays.

This year is different because of COVID. Many of the regular pressures such as Christmas cocktails, school recitals, office Christmas parties and fundraisers are not happening this year. That leaves us with changing some traditions, expecting things to be different and some overall anxiety. Many of us have financial troubles as the cherry on top of the cake called 2020.

This year has been difficult, and Christmas causes so much stress, be it good stress or bad stress. I have compiled a list of 10 tips to reduce stress over the holidays

1. Be Organized

It is a busy season, and we have lots to do. Keep a schedule, plan your activities and your shopping. Please make sure you add in family time and time for self care. It sounds silly but when you break down your tasks and schedule them, the frantic, overwhelmed feeling can be reduced.

2. Keep a budget

Regardless if you came through the last year with better finances or are struggling, Christmas time can easily put a hole in your pocket. Make a realistic budget and stick to it. This will help you feel less financial strain in December but also in January.

3. Human Contact

With many cities restricting contact outside of the family unit, we are extremely limited to whom we interact. Regardless if you are an introvert or an extrovert, make sure you take time to call or video call a friend or family member. These relationships reduce stress and enhance our feeling of belonging. Often talking to another can dramatically reduce stress.

4. Be Realistic

This is not the year to take the family to Mexico for Christmas or a huge family Christmas. Smaller family gatherings or even just household families will be getting together for Christmas dinner this year. As saddening or frustrating as this is, this is what is happening. Setting expectations too high or low for this Christmas will only add to your family’s stress. The kids need to know what will be happening so they are not disappointed if it is not as it was the past few years. Focusing on the positive helps everyone in your family adjust and look forward to the holiday.

5. Healthy Habits

Recently, I was telling someone how I look forward to reading a book over the holidays and eating a giant Toblerone. Please, celebrate your holiday and have some treats. However, your body will handle the good and bad of the season better with proper care. Make sure you are putting a priority on sleep, choose good foods when not at a celebration, drink water and move your body. Park your car farther away in the shopping center or do yoga at home to relax. Sleep, diet, water and exercise can all help reduce stress and help you feel calm and energized.

6. Learn to Say No

This was my New Years Resolution for 2020 and sometimes I succeeded and sometimes I did not. When someone asks for you to plan an online Christmas party or to participate in a crazy baking exchange, it is ok to say no! Be honest and say that you are not able to. Your family does not care about the selection of cookies in your house! Everything is different this year so just say no to simplify this season and have more time for yourself and your family.

7. Patience

Tensions are high. People are worried and many families are so financially strained that they are struggling mentally as well. Front line workers are working round the clock and trying to shop during breaks. There are people who are ill, suffering in the hospital alone. So many people are rushed, stressed and frustrated. Take some time to give people the benefit of the doubt and practice patience. Maybe a smile or some patience will change someone’s day. Getting mad only hurts you.

8. Take Time for You

There is a lovely children’s book by Carol McCloud about filling each other’s buckets and I always think of this concept. As I mentioned in my last blog post, self care is extremely important. Read it here. Plan time to read, do yoga, visit a friend, watch a movie or go tobogganing with your kids. It is surprising how amazing filling up your bucket and the bucket of others can make you feel.

9. Be Grateful

My girlfriend has always spent every Christmas with a big family gathering. However, this year, that celebration will have to be changed to smaller family groups. This change is very difficult for her and many people are very upset about changing Christmas traditions. In April, our stress was extremely high as we were worried about our love ones passing and some of ours did. Take some time this month to appreciate the good things. There is still many good people and things to be grateful for. Focus on the good and enjoy Christmas. Start a gratitude challenge for your friends and family to share these things!

10. Remember the spirit of Christmas

Christmas is not one day a year. Christmas is the spirit of love and giving. This should be happening all year long. My favourite part of 2020 is how many people put up their trees and lights in November instead of December to cheer themselves up. I keep hearing of acts of great giving and little acts of kindness. Pick a person on your street to surprise with acts of kindness. Deliver baking to your friends, buy someone’s coffee in the line behind you. This is the true spirit of Christmas. Focus on the spirit of Christmas and not the one day that will be different this year. Keep spirit of Christmas going.

If you or someone in your life is having trouble coping, please access some support.