This time of year is supposed to be about joy and togetherness and peace. But for many of us, the holidays instead create stress and anxiety.
How can you reduce the stress and bring back the fun to your holiday season?
Here are 10 ideas on how to reduce the pressures of the season:
1. Know what’s important
Keep the focus on what matters -- being with loved ones and creating memories. At the end of the day, the things that will be remembered are the moments you made. It will be the silly moments, the laughter shared, and the fun you all had that will bring back memories of this Christmas season. Whether or not the table has place cards and coordinated napkins? No one will remember and it doesn't matter!
2. Set boundaries
Boundaries are our friends. I learned that in my first corporate job. You have the right to set limits and you do not have to answer questions you don’t want to. If someone crosses a line, tell them.
3. Don't try to control everything
Because you can't. Know what you can control, and let the rest go. It is so freeing.
4. Don’t try to clean your whole house!
Even if you are hosting during the holidays, remember that no one is going to go into your bedroom or the kids' rooms. If they do? Refer to No. 2.
5. Prep ahead
Everything takes time, so do what you can in the days ahead of the holiday so you're not so frantic in the last moment.
6. Make lists
I write everything down. Even the fact that I need to shower. Seeing it all allows me to plan and manage my time. Plus, I love to cross things off my list!
7. Ask for help
If you're hosting, ask for help. After all, the holidays are about spending time together -- not you sweating away in the kitchen alone. Read more about how to delegate cooking duties for the holidays.
8. Be grateful
Find that inner moment to find gratitude and hold onto it. We all have things we can be grateful for. Make gratitude a daily practice for you and your family.
9. Take care of yourself
Sleep. Exercise. Drink water. If you can, take 15 minutes out of the day to just do nothing!
10. Breathe
Look around you. Laugh with your family and friends. Enjoy them. Let them enjoy you. Just breathe.
Carissa Garabedian is the publisher of Know Different and mother to a special needs child in Richmond, Virginia. Carissa also publishes the award-winning Macaroni Kid Richmond, Va.
