Dec 19 2008
You CAN Manage Holiday Stress
You CAN Manage Holiday Stress
Sometimes, what we enjoy in small amounts can drive us CRAZY when indulged to the extreme. So it is with family “togetherness.”
And no time of the year connects us with family to the Extreme like Christmas and the entire “holiday season” thingy. Oftentimes, what begins as wonderful reunion and shared stories deteriorates into discussions of “old family baggage,” perceived slights and insults, resentments, etc, that eventually ruin even the most “familial” of families.
I think that we are “on edge” during the holiday season due to expectations, financial stresses, obligatory events to attend, changes in our schedules, diet and sleep habits. When you add to this by entertaining family members in your home, you are heading for the “awfuls.”
When it comes to mixing in the “family” part of the holiday season, I do have some preferences.
First of all, I recommend you GO TO THEIR PLACE. That is much easier than entertaining in your own home. But I realize this doesn’t always play out since SOMEBODY has to be the host. So, my second preference is to have visiting relatives STAY IN A HOTEL OR MOTEL. If necessary, make it part of your Christmas present to them. Make it a nice place, with hot tubs and other amenities so it seems like a real “vacation.”
My third idea is to host the holiday get-together at a hotel or motel. No mess in your own home to clean up afterward. There are good deals to be had during the holiday season. Rent a space for the party. If you can afford it, have it catered so you don’t have to clean up the mess at the hotel either. Okay, that is getting to be pretty pricey, but at what cost is your health worth foregoing?
Another suggestion, this one from the professionals, is to lay off the booze. This reduces your sociability somewhat, but most people only retain their enhanced sociability for about two or three drinks. Remember that. If you want the old family baggage to come out like the “exorcist” just let everyone get crappy-eyed and then lay out a couple of insults about old boyfriends, or whatever.
Stay conservative in the sugar and sweets department too. Yes, I know I am taking all the “fun” out of your evening, but sugar highs are just like “narcotic” highs: then you crash.
Keep the “expectation bar” fairly low. Don’t expect miracles out of the family. Don’t expect to have the “best Christmas ever!” Don’t even try, because in that expectation lies the seeds of disaster.
Don’t go into debt in order to “make Christmas for the kids.” Keep things reasonable and tell them in advance that you will be keeping the spending under control for Christmas so there will be some money left over for their birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Easter clothing, spring vacation, summer camp, and ALL THE OTHER STUFF that your lovable little darlings will be wanting in the new year!
There! Now have a great time! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
