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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(ARA) - With holiday decorations appearing in stores as early as September, it’s easy to get caught up in the festive frenzy and stress of holiday preparation. But Dr. David Whitehouse, of United Behavioral Health, a United Health Group company, says that with a few simple tips, you can keep your holiday experience happy, and the seasonal stresses at bay.
It’s all about balance.
Set Priorities
Decide in advance what is most meaningful to you and your family about the holiday season and focus your celebrations around those priorities.
Don’t Be Tied to Tradition
Holiday traditions are fine if they provide enjoyment. Talk with your family about what traditions and themes are really important to them. For example, nods of approval might greet the suggestion that you no longer make a family adventure out of choosing a tree. Don’t waste precious time and energy on outdated traditions.
Don’t Over-Schedule
You don’t get extra points for how many appearances you make during the holidays. Your employer gives you time-off for a reason: to enjoy yourself and your family time. Down time is an essential part of maximizing your holiday joy. Whitehouse recommends choosing activities based on what you want to do rather than what you think you must do. “Make your holidays a time of family togetherness without being constantly on-the-go,” he points out. “Come January when it’s back to school and work, you want to feel refreshed and well-rested, not completely exhausted.”
Balancing the Books
Managing money is stressful enough without adding huge post-holiday debt to your worries. Ask yourself if you really need to buy gifts for people like your child’s teacher or distant relatives. Set a comfortable budget for your family, regardless of what other families and family members are doing. Then determine how to make the most of it. Whitehouse suggests these ideas:
* Draw names for gift-giving - Taking this initiative saves you time and money and spares your extended family members and friends from worrying how to participate in gatherings without blowing their own budgets. Setting a gift-giving game plan puts everyone on equal (and more comfortable) footing from day one.
* Help your children make some of their gifts - Teachers love a hand-made card, picture, or other example of the fruits of their labor. And most grandparents love crafts made by little hands. It also gives your children a sense of the real meaning behind gift-giving.
* Give friends the gift of togetherness -- Offer “coupons” (real or hand-made) for a “date” with friends at your favorite coffee shop or restaurant, redeemable once the hectic holidays are over.
* Think simple! -- Remember birthdays and holidays when your kids set their new toys aside to play with the boxes and paper they came in? Your kids can be happy with simple gifts that ignite their imaginations. Bright colors and things to make noise with and dress up in, or things that the two of you can do together (like read books) can be big winners on a smaller budget.
Keep Expectations Realistic
As Whitehouse points out, it’s not your responsibility to be sure everyone around you has a perfect holiday. Holiday joy comes from within a person -- it can’t be created by someone else.
Finally, Seek Help if You Need It
If your holiday stress level is affecting your ability to function or your relationship with friends or family, consider seeking professional counseling. Asking for help is never a sign of weakness or failure, especially in situations too difficult to handle alone.
If you need help managing your holiday stress, or any of life’s challenges, visit www.unitedbehavioralhealth.com; click on “News & Research” and then the “Resources” tab to be linked to a variety of mental health resources.
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