How to Keep Calm During the Holidays: 14 Tips for Dealing with Family Stress
Nothing gets those nerves worked up like the holidays. You’re frantically going in circles, trying to get everyone to get along, make the perfect dinner, and host the best party while the kids run amok and the guests get too hiccupy. And while reducing stress is undoubtedly a challenge, we’ve got some tips that’ll help you smoothen things out these holidays.
Plan Together as a Family
Get everyone involved in the holiday planning! Whether it’s cooking, decorating, or picking activities, working as a team makes things easier. When each person participates in everything, they feel more involved, and it helps share the work. Also, it’s a great way to bond and make the holiday feel special.
Set Clear Boundaries
It’s not only the planning that needs to be perfect; if you’re not clear on boundaries, you’ll always have a disappointing holiday. Whether it’s small things like arriving on time or big ones like stealing the spotlight, set clear rules and boundaries and communicate them effectively to keep all guests in check. Don’t hesitate to kick some troublemakers out, especially if it ensures peace.
Set a Holiday Budget and Stick to It
Holiday costs can put a dent in your wallet, leaving you stressed even after the season ends. To avoid this, decide on a budget for gifts, meals, and activities and try to stick to it. Having a set plan helps you avoid overspending so you can focus on enjoying the holidays, not worrying about the cost.
Stay Lowkey
Speaking of peace, one way many holiday gatherings and parties take a chaotic turn is when you overcomplicate them. While it’s certainly fun to host an engaging party, you don’t need to dramatize everything to turn up the notch; plan a simple and low-key get-together and focus on including fun activities that’ll turn up the party in no time.
Host Potlucks
As much as some of us like cooking, catering big dinners is challenging. If you’re done with the idea of cooking big batches for everyone, why not try to share the responsibility? Turn your next celebratory dinner into a potluck; assign dishes or ask your guests to bring their favorites. It’ll diversify the menu and make things much more inclusive.
Delegate Tasks to Ease Your Load
Support usually comes from our primary family, but don’t hesitate to ask for help from your friends. Whether you’re assigning them small chores like decorating the house, setting the table, or asking them to step up in the kitchen actively, delegate tasks to ensure everyone’s participation. This increases appreciation for the hosts and gives them a chance to breathe.
Take Time for Yourself
The holiday season can get overwhelming, so it’s okay to take a break when you need it. Go for a short walk in nature, listen to some music, or find a quiet spot to just breathe. These little breaks can help you recharge and keep your stress in check, making it easier to enjoy family time.
Don’t Overschedule
Many of us think the more activities there are, the more fun it is. But overplanning and overscheduling will only disrupt your party and your mood faster; you’ll get exhausted because you won’t have any breathing breaks between activities. At most, plan 10 activities per day with enough time to switch gears and relax before the next activity starts.
Practice Saying No
This is for everyone out there who feels pressured by family to take on all the responsibility and none of the credit; practice saying no. We know how it sounds, but saying no when you feel uncomfortable with something or are forced into a corner is only the beginning of a stress-free holiday. Things will only look up from here.
Keep Decorations Simple
You don’t have to go overboard with decorations. Instead, try a few well-placed pieces that create a festive feel without all the work. Simple decorations are easier to set up and take down, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the holiday. Focus on the decorations that really make you happy, and keep it clutter-free.
Make Homemade Crafts
Skip the store-bought decorations this year and try making homemade crafts with your family. You can create ornaments, design holiday cards, or put together a festive wreath. It’s a fun and creative way to bond, and kids will love being part of it. Also, you’ll end up with decorations that have a personal touch and make your home feel extra special.
Encourage Group Cleanups
Call out people who like to fiddle with their guests and lounge around, creating a mess while you’re running about cleaning up after them; ask them to clean up after themselves or help you out with the dishes. While nobody likes to work, especially over the holidays, it’s highly insensitive to let a host carry everything while you won’t even lift a finger.
Plan Outdoor Activities
Sometimes, getting out of the house is the best way to ease holiday stress. Plan something fun and simple, like a family walk around the neighborhood to admire the holiday lights or a visit to a festive market. A little fresh air and a break from the usual routine can work wonders for everyone’s mood.
Express Gratitude
Lastly, once you’re finally done with everything and have the guests out the door, don’t forget to express your gratitude. You may not have had the picture-perfect holiday gathering, but sharing thanks will encourage guests to step up the next time. You can even share personalized thanks for everyone who helped you; hopefully, it’ll set a trend.
More For You
Remember to meet your friends this holiday season and make beautiful memories with them. You can also involve them in preparing for the holiday, such as decorating the house or setting up the table.
This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.
