Stress-Free Holidays
The holidays are upon us! This season for many families is filled with happiness, joy, and laughter, but this season can also create stress and anxiety in families and parents. There can be a pressure to create the perfect holiday environment, to get the perfect gifts, to be in the highest spirit all season long, or to see all the extended family. That is a lot of pressure on parents and stress and anxiety are contagious, which, during the holidays, can make parents and children more like Scrooge than that lovely Norman Rockwell character.
Here are some tips that can make the holidays calmer this season:
Start with planning ahead as a family. Have a family meeting, encouraging each member to share thoughts, expectations, and hopes for the holiday. Then, make plans integrating those resulting priorities. Mark the “have to” things on the calendar first. Add the "want to" things only as they promise to add value to your holiday experience.
2. Maintain regular family routines during the holidays. Well-balanced meals, exercise, and regular bed time can ease stress levels and prevent illness. Schedule some family “time out" to rest and relax. Shopping trips and visits with relatives go much more smoothly when each family member is rested and healthy.
3. Make use of your support system of family and friends to trade off childcare during out-of-school days. Visit a museum or attend a story time at the local library as a child-friendly activity. Older children and teenagers might enjoy volunteering with a charitable organization or shelter, using their time and energy to contribute to the holiday spirit.
4. Schedule some activities that feed your own spirit. Give priority to those things that leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, rather than exhausted and frazzled. Worship services, musical performances, and plays might be enjoyable options. Some television programming offers a wonderful resource for appreciating the holidays but beware that TV and video games might wind up rather than calm down your child. As the parent, you must exercise some discretion.
5. Create and sustain family traditions. Over the years, these provide great security and comfort amid inevitable disruptions. Decorating, crafting ornaments, baking cookies for a neighbor or friend, visiting a nursing home, helping in a soup kitchen or shelter, or donating cans to a food bank can all become family traditions that instill lasting childhood memories.
6. Recognize that holidays may generate memories that evoke feelings of grief. It is important to allow yourself and your children time to reminisce, being careful not to get stuck in the past, and share fond memories of loved ones or places that you may miss during this time. Watch for signs of withdrawal and depression with children and adults, and seek professional help when needed.
7. And lastly, laughter is great for stress. Gather the family for a funny movie to help everyone relax or share funny jokes and memories that make you smile.
The holiday season can be a time of great fun and joy. It is important still to recognize that it can also be stressful or sad, but to take steps that can alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that you as parents and your kids might feel. It is a time to be together! Take a deep breath, and make a family pledge to share this holiday season as a time of joy.
We are always available on our phone number 828.669.9798 or by visiting our website www.blackmountaincounseling.org.
