I know for some the upcoming holidays can cause some stress, I know because I’ve been there. I no longer get overly stress for the holidays any more, maybe it’s because I’m older and a bit wiser or maybe it’s because I’ve I deserve a happy holiday too so I’m just not going to stress about it. I’ve always been one of those high stress people who kept things inside, type A personality which kind of came with the job of Events Manager, Communications Manager, Recruitment etc.. almost all of my jobs over my career.
Getting “events” organized right down to the last detail on a big scale or even a small scale at home was what I was all about but not as much any more. I’ve learned it will come together and if not so what? What’s the worse that can happen you’re big family dinner might just a be a little different will anyone never forgive you if you forget dessert or your house is not so sparkly clean?
Okay I admit that last one is a little harder for me to let go of I hate having people over if my house is not clean to my standards but I’m getting better. I’ve learned my house is lived in, it’s a home, the people I have over for the holidays are friends who aren’t going to care if my house sparkles, they are there to see me and family. I’ve also re-prioritized and have decided that I like to concentrate on making a great meal, having time to enjoy my family and our friends when they visit. Guess what no one has ever gone away saying geez your house was a mess or that dessert wasn’t as good as last year (I seem to keep thinking about dessert lol).
Do your holiday shopping throughout the year and be done early
If the holiday shopping stresses you out get it done earlier in the year. I always do my Christmas shopping throughout the year. I know who I want to buy for and if I see something for a great deal I get it. I’m usually always done by the end of November at the latest so I do not step inside a shopping mall at all in December I hate busy malls and parking lots ugh. Great sales happen throughout the year you just have to watch out for them.
Take a few minutes for yourself too!
This has become my new mantra when I’m starting to feel stressed, I take my 15 minutes. You’d be amazed at what 15 minutes can do for you and yet in the grand scheme of things it’s not that much time away from getting things done but it does wonders for alleviating stress. For me I stop make myself a mocha and read, or if it’s nice outside I go for a quick walk, I take one of my dogs with me sometimes and sometimes I just go by msyelf to enjoy the peace and quiet. If I have a bit more time I take a nice bubble bath or I give myself a home spa treatment. With everything out there on the internet you can find so many home made spa treatments that cost very little so you can treat yourself.
I also save a bit every week for about 3 months $10/week so that a few days before Christmas I have my house cleaned by a cleaning company. I knew this was a stressor for me so I plan for it every year and I got rid of my stress. If you plan ahead and know what stresses you out you can help yourself eliminate some of that stress and enjoy the holidays more. If you don’t have to save up a few months ahead then get those cleaners take something off your plate or if that’s not an option ask for help with other things from friends and family. Little things do help and many of your friends and family I’m sure if they knew would like you to have a happy holiday too, without stress or at least less of it.
So what do you do to relieve stress? Feel free to share tips and let’s help each other out!
Oh and… 🙂
Aria H. says
I get very stressed out. This year not as much thanks to amazon prime, lol, since I wait until the last minute to get things. Everything came on time! And we had two smaller family celebrations instead of one large one.
peggy777 says
I wish I had read this earlier during the holiday season. I’m sure it would’ve saved me a little stress.
Pam Mc says
I did most of my shopping online but my husband was the one w distressed me with his loving patient help.
Debi H. says
This was the first year that I intentionally focused on NOT becoming stressed…or at least trying not to. We did most of our shopping well in advance. I didn’t do a lot of baking this year and did most of my meal prep the day before. I wanted to enjoy Christmas and I did!
Amanda Stovall says
Wow! I so needed to have read this blog a couple weeks ago! I honestly didn’t enjoy much of the holidays for this very reason right here, STRESS! And for the most part, looking back now I see that it was unnecessary. I’ll use your tips next year! Thank ya! 🙂
Powered by Mom says
you are welcome Amanda 🙂
Jenny Patton says
I hate to admit it but I have always been stressed out during the holidays because of all the family interactions and prodding questions!
rachael forsythe says
I try so hard to make everyone happy I forget myself.I have to step back and breathe
Tammy says
I also shop all year round at the clearances.
Diana Cote says
I did pretty good this year, most of the presents were bought early online and delivered and i packaged them and put them away as they came so not much had to be done close to Christmas… also it helped the husband got a honey made turkey from his work so all i had to make were sides and dessert which i made a few days early. I hope i will be able to repeat this again next year. 😀
angie says
Every since I have lost members of the family the holidays have not been the same. This year was pretty good though as I set rules and standards to guide me
Jo-Ann Brightman says
I try not to become too stressed out during the holidays. I do do the shopping as early as possible. I try to take a moment to relax and read or do something for myself and that does help
lauren engbrock says
thanks for the post I am glad I am not the only one who feels this way about the holidays. It seems like I am always the one who has to do all the shopping, wrapping etc & it is overwhelming thanks
Tanya Holland says
I never used to stress out during the holidays but this year I was so stressed out. Now I’m trying to take time to relax but sometimes itself hard.
Edna Williams says
Since losing my daughter to a car accident, I don’t remember the last time I really enjoyed Christmas.
Stephanie Mago-Eagle says
I try not to let the holidays stress me out to bad there are things that happen that you have no control over.
Niki Gottwald says
To say the holidays stress me out would be an understatement. I can’t even remember the last time I took time for myself!
fulufhelo khorommbi says
thank you for the tips,holidays do stress me out sometimes
Cynthia Cover says
That is so smart saving about $10 a week for three months and having a professional cleaning co. come in. I need to consider that…..too much laundry!
Dianna Thomas says
Thanks for the great ideas, I sure it helps. For myself– I do a lot of meditation, prayer, and deep breath. Then to release the muscles I take a warm bubble bath, it helps alot
Stephen says
The holidays are no worse for me than other times. Relaxation is key!
mindy cole says
The Holidays stress me out bad , I just keep telling myself that its not about gifts its about family and being togather
Sarah Hoffman says
Thank you for these great tips, I had a lot going on this season, with the recent passing of my 2nd father, and the added stress from my relationship status (not good).. and even so much more.. I love your ideas about the spa treatment and the bubble bath those sound like spectacular ways to de-stress. and the reading a book would be very helpful as well. Thank you again.. Ohhh and I must not forget..the shopping though out the year is awesome to my mom, from when I was little , I would remember seeing Christmas presents in her closet in June and July lol..
Marsha says
Some great tips in the posts about managing the stress. I read through the comments and some of them made me sad. We scaled way back this year and it was relaxing and less stressful. The focus is on the birth of the SAVIOR and family and friends. Hugs to those who struggle during this time.
Amy Merriam says
I used to love the holidays! Planning and cooking the big meals was a challenge that I loved and I was so proud of being able to have everything come out at the same time. And then buying the presents that people loved gave me such a good feeling inside. But as the kids have grown and are now spending more and more time away from the house …the big meal became a chore that they just didn’t appreciate. Being on my feet and cooking for hours only to have the meal devoured in half an hour and then they are out the door leaving me with the clean up…got so depressing that the meal became smaller and smaller. This year they weren’t even here at all…so I didn’t even do Christmas. I am looking forward to grandchildren (some day) so I can (hopefully) do the Thanksgiving and Christmas “thing” again!
lynn buttedal says
Thank you for all the great tips! Will try some of them!
sandy weinstein says
i love the sales and good buys but cat stand the way people are so rude, cut you off, take your parking places, i was returning something and someone ran to get in line b4 me, then laughed abt it….i take time to hug my dogs to relieve my stress.
christina moore says
I try to start early so I will not get stressed out
Jill Jackson says
I have a severe social anxiety disorder. I send others to shop for me. I do however put on the headphones and jam awhile to help
sue williams says
Yes this year has been very stressful ive had some bad luck and this is the brokest I ve been at christmas ! Worring about getting my kids presents and my trucks not running good at all and I cant get financed anywhere to get into another vechicle my credits bad after my divorce!
Clara says
I shop after Christmas is over and throughout the year so that I have gifts for the next year. This makes it cheaper and less stressful.
Georgia Beckman says
LOVE the idea of saving a bit each week so you can have a cleaning company come in before Christmas. I’m going to try that this year. BRILLIANT! thank you so much!
Yvonne Kathleen Kimbler says
Letting go of the little things helps so much. If you haven’t gotten all the decorations out its ok. Sometime we put so much on ourselves that we forget this is a time to enjoy the family. To be together and have time to make memories.
marissa lee says
yes holidays are so stressful especially when you don’t have enough funds to buy gifts for my loved ones…and i will be taking some time to myself not only on holidays but everyday atleast 10 minutes to start…thank you
Susan M says
Yes The Holidays Stress Me Out We Don,t Have Really Any Money To Spend On The Holidays So Making My Children Happy Goes Straight To My Heart & Try To (Thanks For The Chance)
Katie Rysz says
I just try to grin and bear it and realize I can’t be perfect ALL of the time. 😉
mary ortiz says
I do get stressed out but try to remember the purpose of this holiday and the warmth it brings to families and it helps me tremendously.
Pam H. says
The holidays do stress me out. I take time to read the Bible and pray. Prayer is a powerful relaxation tool.
Debbie Welchert says
I usually just take a few minutes for myself with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and relax.
KARENALBERTWINSLOW says
I HAVE BEEN VERY SICK THIS YEAR & FORCED TO DO NOTHING SINCE JULY NEEDLESS TO SAY MY HOUSE IS A MESS. USUALLY I WILL DO A GOOD CLEANING BUT ALL THEY ARE GETTING IN A SURFACE CLEAN THIS YEAR AND THEY BETTER BE HAPPY WITH THAT. I CAN DO MUCH WITHOUT GETTING TOO TIRED SO THATS IT. SOMEONE ELSE DID MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING I ONLY HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE FOOD SO THAT IT FOR ME
Jennifer Hiles says
The only thing that really stresses me out is going to the stores near Christmas. The people, parking and lines can be a bit much so I started shopping early like you said and that has really helped.
Powered by Mom says
so much better to do it that way isn’t it Jennifer?! I HATE shopping at the malls at the busy times like near Christmas neer again lol
Debby Chandler says
The holidays used to stress me out but my making shopping lists and a do to list and just doing what I can it’s been a lot easier.
RANDY FULGHAM says
i do get a little stressed out during all the holidays -but i dont let it make me sick
sherry butcher says
I don’t get stresse any more since it down to just me at home. Usually I get together with some friends and we eat a good meal, nothing heavy no extra calories. I’m alright with this now
Nena Sinclair says
I do get stressed out during the holidays, but I am better than I used to be. I’m starting to realize that I can only do what i can do and not spend like crazy, because I can’t. That used to bother me so much, but not anymore.
Cynthia P says
No holiday stress here at our house because we don’t celebrate any of the traditional man-made holidays. Instead we give gifts and do kind deeds for friends, loved ones and strangers all throughout the year. It is so much more real and loving and honest this way. (Matthew 15:7-9)
Evelyn Chuter says
I can hardly get the word Holiday out without bursting into tears. I have had many devastating losses in my family, so that it is hard worth celebrating. I do have grandchildren, so I try to shop all year round for them. I live on a fixed income, so there is no waiting to buy everything at the last minute. I can’t! Right now I am sick, and this happens to me every Christmas without fail. I’m sure it has something to do with my stress level at this time of year. I try to meditate. I just can’t help it!
Lanie says
You are so right! There are things we can do elimate all the stress of the holidays! You need to remember what they are all about anyway! Christmas is not about running around making yourself crazy buying gifts and maxing out credit cards. Its about being with family celebrating one another. 🙂
Kimberly Sheridan says
This year has stressed me out, always looking for tips and tricks. Thanks! Happy Holiday’s!
Marthalynn says
Why are the holidays so stressful?!? Is it because we set unrealistic expectations on ourselves and others? I’ve been so stressed and exhausted this year. Thank you for this reminder to just let it go.
Crystal K says
This year I got all my shopping done in November. Did a lot of online shopping. Got some really good deals. Much less stress than last year!
Amy Orvin says
I do get stressed a little with wrapping gifts. I hate it. and I don’t really like my sister-in-law either and I have to act while she is over.
Mary Davis says
Making my special fudge, and a nice hot shower, and going to my room helps me relax
Theresa M says
You are so right and I am learning too as I too am getting older and more exhausted now then when I was younger. I have to take a nap here and there haha.
Tenley Erickson says
Thanks- this was a good reminder for me! I have been wearing myself out worrying about making everything perfect and clean. It has been pretty stressful! It really has an impact on my mood. If I overdo it, I will be too tired to truly enjoy the holiday happenings! Besides, who wants a cranky hostess? hehehe Think I will go soak in a warm tub now and get a good nights rest 🙂
aaron reck says
This year no because I set boundaries for myself about how much I could spend and time allotment. I agree with everyone else a Holiday is about your organizational skills and so far this has been a success. 🙂 Happy Holidays.
sharlene says
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Jerri Davis says
Some people get in the mood for Holidays and some people do not that seems to cause stress, also peoples reaction to you during the Holidays may or mayl not be what you are expecting so this causes upset. Thank you, Jerri Davis
Beverly Mclain says
the holidays do stress me out, but i get through it..
sherry butcher says
no way do holiday cards stress me. I design Handmade cards and about Sept. I stard them to bo done by Oct. 30. I’v been doing Operation Write Home cards for 3 years now and love it.
lisa says
You are right. Who cares if you forget something. Take the time to enjoy yourself.
april b says
This is the most stressful time of year for me. Thanks for all the tips on trying to handle it all. Merry Christmas.
Amy says
Not too much, I’m housebound all the time, so I try to be relaxed about most things~
Tamara says
I believe that a lot of the stress I make myself and could be avoided if I stopped over scheduling myself and agreeing to do so much.
Sky Sparkle says
I get so stressed. I totally understand.
Sheri Ferguson says
I think this time of year is stressful for everyone. It’s important to take time for yourself. I know that’s something I don’t do enough of. I crochet gifts for people. Crocheting is relaxing to me, so I’m hitting two birds with one stone with that one!
debra lynch. says
holidays DO have a tendency to stress people out. It is the way it goes. It is like we are SUPPOSED to be close and have family and get together…and for the people who do not- it can be the most depressing time of the year. I am lucky that I am blessed with my family still and my boys are my life…but I try all the time to take that 15 minutes you were talking about. I usually take a bath…cleanse….aromatherapy…works. its imperative.
Gale McCarron says
I love your suggestion about saving $10 week for 3 months to hire cleaning company. I’m disabled so this one’s essential to me!! Thank you!
Victoria Miller says
Thanks I needed to read this. I will ask for help
Kathy Stuit says
Been doing Christmas for a long time for my own family now, I think I got a hang of it. I plan early, shop sales and deals, watch for online specials, wrap as I buy, then bake the weekend before Christmas. I also preplan our menu for Christmas Eve and Day. Decoring I do the day after Thanksgiving. I have sooo many decorations that it’d be a waste to only have them out a few weeks. They will stay up till mid to end of January. I do get a bit stressed, but not like I used to.
Jasmine P says
I understand taking a “time out”. It really does help! I also make sure to exercise…I get out a lot of stress when I do that!
Sharon G says
My friend and I were just talking about this. Financially I have had a rough few years and although i know its “not about the presents” , I find that’s usually said by those who can afford to buy them! lol That”s only part of the stress, I use to love LOVE Christmas, and now I’ve allowed it to feel like a chore. I’m glad I read this, I am going to figure out and prevent some of my own stressors for the coming year. Really made me think, Thanks! ~ Merry Christmas!~
Powered by Mom says
So glad you found this useful Sharon. I know what you mean about the gifts, suggestions though, baked goods, if you sew maybe create something that way? I do baked goods as I can’t sew or knit worth a darn lol I do also sometimes make handmade cards 🙂 Merry Christmas to you as well
lisa says
I cry. It helps for a bit. Holidays are SO stressful