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Stress and the Holidays
 
Sharon Schroeder Wynn, MD
December  2009
 
 

If the sounds of "It's the most wonderful time of the year" playing on the radio makes you cringe or consider doing harm to your radio you're not alone. While the traditions and memories of holidays past warm our hearts, the preparations for holidays present are enough to make anyone a bit of a scrooge.

 

While no amount of preparation can guarantee a wonderful holiday, there are some things you can do to lower your stress during this season.

 

  1. Limit your time commitments. Look at the activities, parties, and traditions you have observed in years past. Decide which activities you wish to keep as part of your schedule and don't over do it. You will enjoy the traditions more if you are not feeling rushed to get to the next thing.
  2.  
    Set a budget and stick with it. This is not a fun or romantic sentiment but it avoids many arguments in the middle of the aisle in Kmart. It also avoids lots of stress in January when the bills come in.
  3. Remember that the time you spend with your children and family is the most precious gift you have for each other.
  4. Set realistic expectations. Life and relationships are complicated and  the holidays do not magically erase the problems of the year.