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| By Kim Hamby Director of Non-Public Schools |
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We hear and see this everywhere, but we don’t always feel that way. Once again, the holiday season is upon us. It is supposed to be the time of year filled with anticipation, excitement, and joy. In reality, it can feel like the most stressful time of the year.
Many of us look forward to the holiday season and experiencing the traditions, decorations, food, and spending time making memories with family, friends, and loved ones. We are excited to have the opportunity to bring everyone together to share fellowship. Along with these experiences, we have feelings of stress, anxiety, and being overwhelmed. We feel a sense of responsibility to ensure the holidays are pleasurable for everyone and that all needs are met. It is sometimes difficult to know where to begin. Here are some ideas that may be helpful to consider while getting through the holiday
season.
- Set a spending limit. Make sure you establish a budget and stick to it. Many of us are tempted to spend outside of our means and this creates stress and unrealistic expectations for everyone. Be honest with yourself and others of what is realistic and practical for you. Lack of financial resources is one of the primary stressors during the holidays.
- Do not overextend yourself. Not only financially, but in time and resources. It is very easy to over-commit and become overwhelmed by having to be to many different places and provide support for others. Choose the events and tasks that mean the most to you and fit in your schedule. It is okay to say “no.”
- Ask for help. Most people are very willing to contribute time, assistance, food, facilities, and other resources needed to prepare for a holiday event. This can include a family, work, or community gathering. We all could use a helping hand.
- Get organized. Set a schedule and stay on track. Spread out tasks and responsibilities so that you do not feel so pressured to do everything at once.
- Give a gift that is personal or homemade. Gifts do not have to “break the bank.” Baked goods, pictures, crafted items, or expressions of caring or gratitude are wonderful gifts. These gifts are personalized and have sentimental value. They will be treasured.
- Be realistic. Don’t feel like you have to create the “perfect” holiday. Family circumstances may change from year to year. Some people experience great sadness during the holidays due to the loss of a loved one or the inability to be with the people they love most. Find new or alternative ways to celebrate the holidays that are meaningful for you and your loved ones.
- Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, get rest, and take breaks when needed. Acknowledge difficult situations or unhealthy feelings that may be causing stress and take steps to make things right.
