Holiday Stress  

The holidays are quickly approaching and with them stress is not far behind! This can be confusing especially since the holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, peace, and love. Holidays can be challenging due to societal expectations, colder weather, shorter daylight hours, and even your mental health in general. You might feel as if you are the only one that gets stressed around the holidays, but I can assure you, this is not the case! 

There are often deadlines around the holidays since so many things need to get done. If you are hosting the family gathering, you need to cook, clean, and have the added social pressure of hosting. Delegating tasks can ease stress and prevent you from doing everything alone. Have your spouse and children help cook and clean, and ask other family members to handle groceries or other chores. People often want to help, but just don’t know how.

Similarly, there is often a large financial burden around the holidays. There are decorations, gifts, food, and more; it can feel never ending. You might feel the pressure to buy every single family member a gift or buy your kids the newest and coolest gadget. It might seem cheesy and obvious, but it is helpful to remember that the holidays are not all about the gifts. The time you have with your loved ones is priceless and that does not have to involve draining your bank account. Gift giving should not leave you with a major financial burden, despite what the commercials tell you.

Another holiday stressor is the people we spend it with—often family. Some relatives talk too much, overshare, or have combative personalities, which can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve worked hard to prepare. If you’re hosting, set boundaries on discussion topics—no controversial subjects! Focus on enjoying time together despite your differences.

Remember – you are not alone in your stress! Talk about your stress with friends, say “no” when the commitment would be too much, and take breaks when you can. 

Written By: Marissa Halstead

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