If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’re experiencing some stress or anxiety this holiday season. You’re not alone in that.
I’ve had my fair share of holiday upsets over the years. This season can be so magical, but it can also be hard to manage.
Here are some practical tools to use when you feel the stress of the holiday season:
1. Take some deep breaths. Whether or not you’re the host, holiday gatherings can feel overwhelming. It’s ok to take a moment to yourself. This Thanksgiving I found myself stepping into the restroom just to take a minute to take some deep breaths and say a prayer.
Even if you don’t have the ability to take an entire day to yourself, you can always take a minute to step into another room and pause.
2. Manage your expectations and schedule. I know this one can be difficult, especially if you’re trying to make the holidays extra special for children or visiting loved ones. But, managing your own expectations (and making a realistic holiday schedule) is one of the best and kindest things you can do for yourself and others.
Do you actually have time to go to the Christmas parade the day after your child’s pageant? And then to also drive to your aunt and uncle’s house to bake cookies? And then back home to make homemade ornaments?
It’s ok to not be able to do everything. Pick the events and traditions that matter most to you and your family. Being able to be fully present for those moments will be far better than trying to squeeze in every single Christmas event.
3. Set boundaries where necessary. This is probably the hardest part of being an adult, and even more so at the holidays. When you go to manage your expectations and schedule, you might find that you’re cutting out someone else’s gathering or activity – and other people don’t always understand or accept that.
Is your mom trying to get you to show up to her church’s pageant because that’s the one you were in when you were five, despite telling her you’re going to your own church this year?
It’s time to stick to those boundaries – but in a kind and respectful way. The people in your life might not accept your boundaries and schedule with kindness, but that isn’t your fault. Let me repeat myself: it is not your fault if your family and friends do not understand or accept your boundaries.
You want to enjoy this special time of year, and sometimes that means not doing everything. And that’s ok. Stick to your boundaries. Everyone else will get used to them eventually.
4. Remember what this season is really about. If you’re anything like me, you get caught up in the Christmas season. I try to buy the things my kids really want, think of a thoughtful gift for my husband, make it to the events both my family and I enjoy, and squeeze in some classic holiday films here and there.
And somewhere along the way I’ve forgotten what all of this is supposed to be for in the first place – celebrating the birth of Jesus.
When you get overwhelmed with stress this year, I hope you’ll recall what this season (and, really, our lives) are all about. It’s ok if we don’t make it to that gingerbread house contest because we’re being present with our loved ones and celebrating our Savior.
He has rescued us from our stress during the holidays and every day. We can feel lighter this holiday season when we lean on Him.
Are you feeling the weight of stress? Sometimes the overwhelm and anxiety we feel is more than occasional stress. You don’t have to navigate it alone. We at Graceful Balance are here to help you understand what’s going on and find ways forward toward peace and healing. Reach out today, and find the help you need:
