Three Things To Lessen Your Holiday Stress

December 9, 2008 on 3:41 am | In Burnout | No Comments

We only have about two weeks before it will be Christmas Day and are we ready? Are your days like mine, full of errands after work and then when you get home the questions begin:
When are we going to finish decorating the tree?
What day are you going to make cookies with the children/grandchildren?
Have you addressed/mailed the Christmas cards yet? And
When are you going to make the fudge and other goodies?

My reply is “Who said that I have to do all of the Christmas functions”?
Many women (me included) feel we have to be indispensible and take care of everything. I feel it is time to begin delegating these Christmas rituals around my house. My husband helps, he makes sure the lights are up on the outside of the house and he always offers to be the taste tester for my fudge and cookies. He used to carry the Christmas tree up the stairs and have to vacuum all the pine needles that fell off during the trip—until we bought an artificial tree last year. He always liked the smell of fresh Christmas trees, but he is willing to forego that tradition this year! 

STRESS is beginning to take over my thrill of Christmas time, so I thought that maybe since I feel stressed there are others who feel overwhelmed with holiday activities too! Stress usually comes on the scene when we feel that Christmas has to be “perfect”. Our expectations and what we “should” do are two different things.

YOU CAN DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY THIS YEAR—–and make it a new tradition!
Three things that I have found that help me overcome stress during the holidays are:
1. Tell yourself “DON’T TRY TO DO EVERYTHING YOURSELF”
We can delegate other things so why can’t we delegate some of the Christmas chores (rituals) to others in the family. Most people will assist when asked. You may need to make a list of things that need to be done and identify which ones that you would really like to do and then ask other family members to assist with the others.

2. Eliminate things that are very stressful to you. Decide which Christmas parties that you want to attend. Most people will understand if you are not able to attend their Christmas party/function.  Set priorities about which functions are most important to you and just attend those.

3. Set Boundaries. You do not have to say “YES” when asked to do things that you do not want to do. You may not have time to attend a potluck dinner at the church or at your neighbor’s house. You don’t have to give them excuses. We should be able to say “yes” to the things that we really enjoy and “no” to the things that are not that important to us.  

CHALLENGE FOR YOU 
You still have time to make your list of things that you need to do before Christmas. Begin delegating certain functions to others, decide which festivities you want to attend, and begin practicing saying “NO” to the things that you don’t enjoy (or have time for).

By doing these things YOU may find that you NOW have time to go to a movie or just relax in the “Hot Tub” for a while!

Remember the Christmas season is to be a time for family and a time to enjoy the season. 

YOU are the one in control of your STRESS!
Please visit my site at www.theskyisthelimitcoaching.com and take advantage of my FREE 30 MINUTE coaching session.  Can also contact me at: debmiles1@gmail.com/850-380-5770