Minimizing Holiday Stress

The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year, but for many it can come with a lot of stress. Whether from family, holiday expectations, or seasonal depression, it can be difficult for many to truly relax and enjoy the season.

In any situation, a useful practice is mindfulness. Mindfulness is refocusing on the present. Often, stress can occur not from the moment (though that does happen of course) but instead by things that have happened in the past or things that might happen in the future. By focusing on the now it helps curb excess stress and anxiety. Increased anxiety can overwhelm us and prevent us from thinking clearly in the moment. If we’re able to focus on purely the present moment, we would have a clearer mind that can more easily find solutions to the problems at hand. Of course, mindfulness is a skill that must be developed through meaningful practice.

Christmas can pose a financial stress, especially for those with large families, since buying and giving gifts have become centerstage. If you’re able, set up a budget for gifts, or perhaps a mutual agreement to only get gifts for children to lessen the financial burden. However you approach it, it’s important to discuss this with the family. Open discussion helps adjust expectations properly and helps keep the family aligned on the same goal of spending less. This open discussion can also include discussing ideas on how to spend your time together. Often the best memories are from time well spent with family and friends, not the physical gifts. If there’s an event or family night that everyone can participate in and build memories together, with gifts playing a smaller role, than that can help lower your costs while building wonderful memories and a closer bond with the family.

For others, the stress could arise from conflicting views, or past history, with family members. Heading into the holidays, it’s important to make clear boundaries with friends and family. If it’s stress with family, make sure you don’t over commit yourself and try to say ‘no’ to certain topics and conversations that may cause stress. Difference in political or religious beliefs can create tension. But if making time to visit your family is important to you despite those differences, than it may be best to call ahead and discuss a list of topics that won’t be discussed, instead focusing on positive memories and topics that everyone does agree upon. This is often trickier than being open and honest about budgeting for Christmas gifts. For some families, this may seem impossible unfortunately. If you feel totally disconnected from your family and only experience stress when speaking to them or visiting them then seeking guidance with a therapist may be best, as extreme examples such as that are outside the scope of this blog. Sadly, not every family is full of happy memories and parents and siblings that get along wonderfully or even well.

Of course, this can all be easier-said-than-done. However it’s important to look out for your mental health and financial stability in what should be a joyous season.

 

Photo by Tessa Rampersad on Unsplash