'Destress' Your Christmas

By: Delorus Quintal

Christmas is supposed to be a time of celebration and joy. Unfortunately, due to the bustle that surrounds the Christmas holiday season it often turns into a real hassle. So, in the end, rather than enjoying the season, many people just spend the whole time harried and unhappy. Taking time out to relax, however, and prioritizing, can actually help you enjoy the Christmas season much more.

One of the best things that can be done is to determine not to do too much. Think about whom you need to buy presents for, and seriously consider your Christmas card list. There is no reason to get all of your acquaintance gifts, and if your college buddy has not sent you a Christmas card in a couple of years, that is one less card you need to write this year. A few token gifts, like chocolates or nuts, are good to have on hand and wrapped in the even of an unexpected present.

Make a priority list of things that need to be done. Figure out what is most important, and put that at the top of the list. If things get hectic, and you start feeling stressed, leave the less important things, at the bottom of the list, undone. Try not to worry about getting everything done; just get the most important things done.

Stress comes when you stand on formality. It is better to organize informal parties during the Christmas holiday season. You can still wear nice clothes and have fun playing games. Serve elegant finger foods. You may want to have a sandwich buffet where guests can build their own sandwiches, and have some nice snacks readily available.

This Christmas try to keep your stress levels low by deciding not to travel much. It is true that Christmas time is a great season to get together with friends and family but traveling, especially with kids can really get you hassled. Instead you can consider having a light and entertaining family event.

As long as you are consistent in not visiting anyone on Christmas, then no one can accuse you of trying to avoid them or playing favorites. Instead, travel to visit relatives two or three days after the holiday and stay for the New Year holiday. This way you can still visit relatives during the holiday season, but you are less stressed by having to rush through Christmas on someone else’s schedule.

Cleaning up is one of the most stressful activities. Learn to handle it intelligently. Clean up a little at a time. Have a garbage bag handy when you open gifts. Put the paper and packaging directly into the bag. Also, throw things away as they are used, and have everyone load their dishes in the dishwasher right after dinner. Basically, take charge, and things will fall in place. These little things greatly reduce the mess that causes stress later on.

This is not to say that you can completely avoid Christmas stress, but you can certainly reduce the stress by pacing yourself and refusing to allow the Christmas season to overtake your life beyond your control.

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