Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress

The holidays are a time for celebration and gathering with loved ones that we often do not see throughout the year. It is also a time riddled with long to-do lists and not enough hours in the day, turning it into the most stressful time of year. Believe it or not, you can make changes that will reduce this stress and make Christmas a happy one instead of something to drag your way through.

Here are some tips for reducing holiday stress!

Focus on what is truly important 

If you enjoy the activities that come with the season – decorating, baking, shopping, wrapping gifts, taking road trips – then by all means, have fun! But if you feel burnt out after putting up the tree and cannot imagine baking dozens of cookies, then prioritize the important tasks. More importantly, prioritize the people in your life. The holidays are meant to be celebrated with those you love, not stressing out over a perfectly frosted gingerbread house.

Reduce expectations 

Half (or more) of your stress probably comes from unrealistic expectations. Instead of aiming for the perfect celebration with the perfectly decorated home and perfect gifts, focus on the things that come easily to you and get help for the rest. If that is not an option, good enough is good enough if it helps you keep your sanity. No one will mind if your tree is bare in the back or if you are too run-down or grumpy to enjoy their company. If they do make snide remarks, you can be satisfied that it will be another year before they can bring their negativity back into your holiday celebration.

Simplify gift-giving

This tip saves you both emotional energy and money. It is easy to get caught up with the shiny gifts and desire to be generous. You can end up frustrated and enter the new year with a hefty credit card bill. Put greater effort into gifts for close friends and family. For others on your list, choose tasty or everyday-use items that might cost a bit less but they will use and enjoy.

Ask for and accept help 

This is a tough one for certain people. Believe it or not, you do not have to do it all by yourself. If you are fortunate enough to have offers of help or people around you willing to lend a hand, feel free to delegate. If you have the opposite problem (you keep asking for help and no one steps up), it is time to let things go and focus on enjoying the holidays.

Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones from the team at Tiger Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, & Electrical Services. 

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