9 Ways to Plan a Less Stressful Christmas
What causes holiday stress? Shouldn't this be the happiest time of year with our family and friends coming to visit and all the gift exchanges?
In reality, those are the very things that are causing us stress during the holidays.
The hustle and bustle of getting ready for family and friends along with unrealistic expectations, extra chores, and money issues can all be major sources of "holiday anxiety."
3 MAIN CAUSES OF HOLIDAY STRESS
Social and personal expectations. We're all expected to be happy and merry during the holidays whether we feel that way or not. We even expect it of ourselves and feel there's something wrong with us when we aren't in the "holiday spirit."
Too many responsibilities. Shopping, wrapping, cooking, decorating, entertaining and the list goes on and on, and this is all in addition to our everyday tasks.
Financial stress. It's very easy to go a little (or a lot) overboard during the holiday especially when it comes to gifts and meals. We want everything to be perfect and will spend whatever is necessary to make it that way.
How can you change that?
Here are a few suggestions on how to Plan a Less Stressful Christmas and give you the chance to have your best holiday season ever!
1. BE REALISTIC
Take some time for yourself and try to relax. Put the holiday in perspective and avoid trying to please everyone. Most of all, spend quality time with your friends and family, playing games and enjoying everyone's company.
2. USE MODERATION
Don't go overboard on holiday spending and entertaining. Overspending now can create added stress after the holidays are over so try to create a realistic budget and be very careful to stick to it.
3. HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR
Avoid taking the small things seriously. A burnt holiday pie doesn't mean that the entire dinner is ruined. Work through it and improvise!
4. HELP OTHERS
The holidays are a time for giving and helping others can sometimes put your own problems and stresses into perspective.
5. TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
Find time in your schedule to slow down and enjoy family, friends and yourself!
6. USE THE STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS PLANNING WORKBOOK
The Christmas Planning Workbook is filled to the brim with everything you need to organize and simplify your holidays so you can enjoy quality time with your friends and family.
7. DO LESS, NOT MORE
It may seem strange to actually relax and enjoy the holidays, but it can make the whole month a lot more fun. The best way to relax is to cut back on some of your activities and consider just attending the ones that you'll really enjoy.
8. REMEMBER YOUR OWN FAVORITE THINGS
It's hard to get in touch with the deeper meaning of the holidays when you're pulled in 20 directions at once. Be sure to stop and take the time to enjoy your favorite traditions as a family.
9. BE FLEXIBLE
Your traditions are not set in stone so start looking for creative ways to update your holiday traditions so that everyone is happy.
Still looking for more ideas to take the stress out of the holidays?
LET ME HELP YOU HAVE A STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS!
Your Complete Holiday Planning Workbook is filled to the brim with everything you need to organize and simplify the holidays so you can enjoy quality time with your friends and family. Plus, it’s undated so you can use it year after year to help you plan your holidays!
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