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How to Have a Stress Free Holiday Season

Avoid those Holiday Stressors

Nov 14, 2008 Kathy Schlossmacher

The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving looms ahead and is only a precursor to the major stress of Christmas. Yet, the holidays don't have to be a stressful frenzy.

By using a few simple steps the holidays can lose a lot of their stressors and maybe even be a little fun this time around.

How To De-Stress the Holidays

First of all try sharing the responsibility all around. There is no reason why one person must take on all the responsibility for the holiday season. Holidays can be split between days and people's homes. Everyone who is attending can bring a favorite food to share.

Next think about the budget. How much food is too much? How much expense is too much? Make a list of what you want to serve, purchase the best quality you can afford, and enter into and enjoy the process of the cooking. Do some of the cooking the night before so that even the host or hostess can enjoy the party.

Budget is also important when comes to gifts. Make a list of who you want to buy for. Next to the person's name write a couple of gift suggestions and an amount you want to stay within. Then stick to it, no matter what. This strategy is useful for everyone from Grandma to the kids, especially in this tough economy.

Invite people over to decorate. You and the family clean up and then make the decorations a party. Add a little hot chocolate and cookies and decorating that tree can become more fun than chore. In the process you will also create fun memories that are more important than any gift could ever be.

Don't forget pets. There is a lot of excitement in the house during the holiday season. Make some quiet time for you and your pet so that it doesn't feel trampled by all those strange feet roaming the house.

Schedule some fine time with the kids. Let them make decorations, help with baking and make small gifts for loved ones. They will enjoy the time with you and really feel part of the preparations.

Make sure you attend at least one party for adults. Most of the holidays involve the kids and many times they are the center of it all, but adults deserve some fun too. A simple adult get together can do a lot to relieve stress.

Finally, make some time for yourself. Set aside an hour or two where you don't think about the holidays. Instead, read a book, take a bubble bath, sit in front of that tree decorated by friends and allow the lights and the quiet to embrace.

There is no law that says the holidays must be frenzied, stressful events. A little careful planning and everyone can partake in the fun.

The copyright of the article How to Have a Stress Free Holiday Season in Mind/Body Fitness is owned by Kathy Schlossmacher. Permission to republish How to Have a Stress Free Holiday Season in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.