The holiday season is the most awaited time of the year. And why shouldn’t it be? Well, you get to be with your loved ones, the streets are decorated with lights, and most importantly, the ambiance is so cheery.
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Although most people cherish the arrival of the holiday season, some dread it.
Honestly, I don’t even blame them because I understand how hectic and extravagant it can be. But who says it can’t be worked out?
So, here are some tips that can help you cope up with holiday stress.
1. Don’t leave everything for the last minute
Truth be told, we leave things for the last days on a pretext that we would manage them later until we find ourselves anxiously running for this and that.
Trust me if you want a stress free holiday season, you need to get rid of such a predisposition. Instead, you have to make use of every hour and every day to prepare for it.
2. Plan ahead
Plans always come to our rescue. Likewise, you need a plan here as well. Here are some tips.
· List things you need for Christmas
· Sort them into the categories they belong to.
· Select days to shop for each of these categories.
· Likewise, do the same for chores, select days for decoration, meal preparation, etc.
3. Don’t be a people pleaser
Let’s be honest with ourselves here, how often do we do things wanting to be praised? The holiday season is one such time when we spend all our savings holding lavish dinners, putting up extravagant décor to stand out from the rest.
Let me remind you holiday season is not for others, but for ourselves. Therefore do things out of your own interest and desires.
Here’s a tip.
Every time you think of buying something, ask yourself, is it because you like it or is it because some guests might find it attractive? Once you find clarity, you know what to do.
4. Set a budget
The holiday season was never about creating a hole in your pocket but to enjoy and relish the time with what you had. But now, it seems otherwise.
What you need right now is a thoroughly planned and curated budget.
Hence, grab your laptop, plan, set costs and budget, and try to minimize your expenditure keeping every factor in consideration. Here’s what can help.
4.1. Create a holiday fund
It’s not really a holiday season if it doesn’t leave you in a budget crunch. That being said, if it happens to everyone, it doesn’t mean we must normalize it.
In fact, we must combat this potential holiday budget crunch with our own holiday reserve.
Confused? Well in simple terms, you need to create a holiday fund wherein you save some portion of money every month for the holiday season. (Not much, but 5-10 % every month would do)
4.2. Save time and money when you can
Well here’s what you can do to save money
· Handmade gifts and greeting cards
· If you have to buy some necessary items, buy them before the prices reach their peak.
· Limit the number of guests – To save time (and perhaps paper)
· Order groceries and gifts online.
· Send e-gift cards to save time and paper
· Go for disposable cutlery to save time on dish-washing.
5. Go easy on yourself
The holiday season isn’t just physically demanding but emotionally demanding as well. For starters, you are obligated to fulfill your personal commitments and do things you are not comfortable with.
I say ditch the traditional conventions and do things that you would like to do, even if it’s doing nothing but watching TV.
And if there are people you do not like, feel free to un-invite them instead of being dictated by social obligations.
Remember at the end of the day, your happiness matters the most!
Lastly,
Holiday stress is not difficult to deal with. You just have to be true to yourself, plan, and do things as if it is just another day. I hope you have a great time! Happy holidays!
How do you deal with holiday stress? Feel free to share your ideas in the comment section.
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