Really? Holiday Stress Already?

Now’s NOT the time to panic! It’s the time to sit back and assess what the next few weeks are going to look like. So, a few shoulder shrugs and deep breaths please… Sure, it’s important to make all these magical moments happen. But it’s just as important to understand that much of our holiday stress is self-inflicted. Do you really need to bake 10 batches of grandma’s holiday cookies? Or would it be ok to bake one batch and share the memories with your immediate family. How many holiday cards are necessary? Could you whittle that list? How about the sheer number of gifts you buy to keep things even?

The cost of these additional responsibilities, piled on top of regularly scheduled life can be enormous. I’m not just talking credit card debt here. I’m talking lack of sleep, lack of holiday spirit, lack of wellness. Add a dose of over-indulgence and too tight jeans for an extra layer of discomfort. (I guess there’s no time to exercise until January.)

Now, take another deep breath and envision how to spend your time and energy. I know it can look far more appealing if you plan ahead. Maybe those cards go out for New Years. Maybe a new tradition is a family hike instead of baking all weekend. 

Weed out the unnecessary, focus on the people that mean the most to you, and take care of yourself. It’s the greatest gift you can give your loved ones.