There is often a lot of stress associated with this time of the year. The holidays can be overwhelming, but there are strategies that can be used to make things more manageable. Here are five ways to help alleviate holiday stress.
Avoid Controversy at the Dinner Table
When the family sits down to eat the big holiday meal, it is not the time to bring up past grievances, grudges, or rekindle misunderstandings. No one appreciates it, and it can kill an appetite. It is also best to avoid topics that can incite heated debate, including politics and religion. This is not the time to compare salaries, salary history, or rub in that a family member just got laid off either. Put all of the bickering aside and simply indulge in the holiday feast instead.
Be Organized
Being unorganized can be one of the biggest aggravations at any time of the year, but is especially so during the holidays. Create a to-do list in advance. It can include what you'll shop for days ahead of time, not the morning of the big meal. Also, try to prepare some dishes in advance (casseroles freeze well). Eliciting help from family members in the form of setting the table or bringing a dessert can also help one avoid holiday stress. Taking these steps will ensure the host sleeps well the night before and doesn't have any regrets afterward. Planning ahead can also help save money allowing for time to shop for sales and take advantage of bargains. Health experts say financial worries can cause significant stress around the holidays.
Make Plans to Accommodate Children
Planning for a way to easily entertain children can relieve potential headaches and keep them out from underfoot during meal time preparation. Have games set up for them in advance. Give them a special kids' table where they can eat and talk among themselves while also allowing the adults to enjoy adult conversation at a separate table.
Plan for the Unexpected
In the midst of all the planning to avoid holiday stress, there are always surprises that arise that can catch one off guard, like when a family member shows up with an uninvited guest, or the souffle doesn't turn out quite as well as expected, or someone has an accident or a health emergency. Always have plenty of extra food, at least one additional place setting on the ready, and emergency telephone numbers handy just in case.
Enjoy the Festivities
If one is under stress, it can put a big damper on the holiday. Make sure you get enough sleep the night before, don't panic if everything does not go according to the original plan, and remember no one is perfect. Roll with the punches and allow time to actually enjoy family and friends. This will help ensure one avoids holiday stress.
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