Christmas – Why The Stress?
According to Andy Williams Christmas is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” So why do most people find Christmas stressful? Is it the presents? Cooking? Gift-Wrapping? Family? Financial problems?
A recent study showed that Christmas is the second most stressful thing, following financial issues. So how can you avoid this stress and truly make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year? Plan ahead and of course, we’re here to help.
Buying gifts can create financial pressure; a desire to be at two different places can be frustrating; not wanting to attend certain events but feeling obliged is burdensome; long queues and traffic jams are stressful; not having a special someone to share Christmas with can be upsetting, and the list goes on.
Underneath the holiday stresses are thoughts and attitudes that can trigger both pleasant and unpleasant emotions. To stay relaxed and feel good might require a shift in perspective. Don’t expect everything to be perfect, because it won’t.
Go easy on yourself
Remember that it doesn’t all have to be perfect. Christmas is just one day so if the turkey gets burnt or there’s a power cut, try not to fret. There are invariably other ways to enjoy your Christmas.
Connect to what the holidays are really all about – spending time and creating special memories with the people you love. Make time for doing fun things together, like cooking together, going to see the holiday lights and festive store windows, watching a favourite movie, or going skating at the local rink.
An effective way to make time for these activities is to let go of the need to create the perfect home, buy the perfect gifts, and cook the perfect meal. Perfection is unattainable, no matter how organised and talented you are.
Get plenty of exercise. This is always good for reducing stress. Remember, shopping is exercise. So when you visit that retail park and find you can’t park near the shop entrance, be grateful for the opportunity to walk. Park further away than necessary; make yourself go up or down a few hills or steps. Avoid crowded lifts. Walk up the stairwells. You’ll burn off calories and relieve tension at the same time. Instead of going out for an office binge in a restaurant, go dancing or roller-skating instead.
Allow yourself to have fun. You don’t have to work continuously or over-stretch yourself. Being with a martyr is not the company others want. Let yourself and others do what they want – neither the Queen’s speech nor the games need to be compulsory. Neither is the turkey or over drinking.
Attend to family matters
A family Christmas isn’t always a happy one and trying to keep the peace can be stressful. If you’re having a family gathering and you know that certain people don’t always see eye to eye, be realistic about what to expect and plan accordingly, try not to put pressure on yourself to keep everyone happy.
- Make time to relax with those you love.
- Ask for help. Offer help. Co-operation lightens everyones load.
- If things get tense, take a deep breath, change the subject or walk away.
- Plan a tactful way to leave if a social event gets too stressful.
- When you don’t like what’s happening, suggest doing something else.
- Steer clear of disagreements when you or anyone else has been drinking.
- Use a little self-control so you don’t say or do something hurtful.
- Keep children out of adult disagreements.
- Make it fun for the children, and it will be easier for you.
- Take some time just for you this holiday.
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