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Minimize Holiday Stress Eruptions

By Marilyn Katz

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 31Dec2010
Word count: 588
Viewed: 231 time(s)

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It does not seem to matter which holiday is coming up. It also does not seem to matter how happy and excited we all are about our holiday plans. Somehow all of the excitement seems to lead to more stress in the family.

Guests may be visiting from another town. Local friends may be stopping by. There may be lots of gifts to be exchanged. Bright colors and holiday meals should make us happy. This is all great.

However, somehow we have to transport, feed, and entertain extra guests. We have to take extra care to make sure our houses are tidy in case our boss drops in with his wife. All of these holiday meals and gifts will generate extra bills. Our normal routines will be disrupted while we have to attend to many different details.

It is no real wonder that, sometimes, the happiest times tend to lead to hurt feelings or fights. Some people even get physically ill. We need to learn to cope with the extra stress so we can actually enjoy holidays in the true spirit they were meant to generate for us.

Some people just manage to rise above it all. But most of us have to work at staying calm despite the extra chores and obligations. I have come up with a few tips that have heled us over the years.

Lower your expectations a notch. Just force yourself to accept the fact that everythig will not work out perfectly, and that is perfectly ok. Planes may be late, the toilet may back up at the worst possible time, and kids may spill fruit juice all over your newly cleaned carpets just before your boss arrives. Sometimes the best memories are our reactions to these little situations. You cannot control everything that happens, but you can control your reaction to the situation. When you already expect something to go wrong, you will not be as startled when it does.

Do not try to be superman or superwoman. You may want to attend every party, including three that are schedued on the same afternoon. It is important to set priorities and politely decline some invitations. It is also perfectly fine to let others help you. You may be having fifteen guests over for dinner. When some of them accept your invitation and ask you what they can bring, do not be afraid to tell them what you need. Most of the time, people are happy to contribute a side dish, bag of ice, or carton of sodas. Many people enjoy the opportunity to show off their own special dish. You can still be a great hostess and the star of your dinner party. Just let some of your guests have supporting roles!

Ask people to wait for you. Your daughter may be eager to hit the malls when your mom needs your help getting to the dentist. You know which one is a highe priority, and you may have to put off the mall visit until tomorrow. Or you may be able to get some friends or other family members to attend to one of the tasks while you complete the other one.

If other friends or family members start to get upset, try to understand that they may be going through some of the same things that you are.

You can enjoy the holidays. Just relax and get some control over the situation. If you have a problem, ask for help!

Are you losing control of your holiday or any time stress? Visit us for more stress relief tips! Learn to relax and be happy with yourself.

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