How do you keep yourself from stressing out during the holiday season?

1. 84

   Marcy Goodfleischposted 8 years ago

   How do you keep yourself from stressing out during the holiday season?
   
   What's your secret for getting through the holidays without over-stressing?  All ideas are welcome!

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2. 71

   Perspycaciousposted 8 years ago

   Do everything you can as early as you can.  It's the falling behind that is so stressful.
   Our Christmas cards are all written and in the mail this 12/2/2016, and some of the "essential" Christmas presents have already been purchased.
   Our church congregation held its Christmas dinner/dance 12/1/2016 and the 240 people attending were all served their full Christmas dinner in just 10 minutes, thanks to good organization and the adequate number of volunteers serving the salad, roast, baked potatoes, rolls, butter, peas, carrots, and chocolate cake with crushed candy canes chocolate frosting, and it was free to those attending whether they were members or other friends and neighbors.
   We have a living "silver and gold" plant we decorate instead of a tree, and the large and small wreaths from past years go up with just a few lights to complete our decorations with a creche, etc.  Easy up, easy down, giving us the time to enjoy the season, all without the stress.

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3. 59

   fpherj48posted 8 years ago

   I've not allowed myself to become stressed to any degree over much of anything in the last 25-30 years.  I believe I totally depleted my lifetime quota of stress right about that period in my life.  And am I ever grateful for that!  I mean, let's face it, if we must deal with stress (and as humans we must) we should get it all over with while still young enough to bounce back into some semblance of normalcy, agree?
   A couple of decades ago, I declared war on "stress".....met it head on with a firm threat,  "OK, stress, this it it!  I'm done with you....you suck....have done nothing positive for me, solved no problems but in fact, have caused me ulcers, headaches & unhappy moments!  One of us it outta here and I promise you, it won't be me!"   Well, truth is, I've never made an empty threat in my life.  So, I got to work.
   I'm very pleased to report, although it was a struggle, a lot of attitude adjustment, a slap upside the head by a strong dose of reality & smidgen of humility,  I emerged the victor!
   Once here,,there is no going back. Take a few minutes to jot down a list of the things that "Holidays" mean to you or what you believe they should be all about.  Your list will probably look something like this:  Fun and laughter with family  & friends....lots of smiles, songs, delicious meals & good cheer.  Warm moments by the Christmas tree and fireplace and conversations filled with happy memories and wishes for our futures.  Every time you think of something you'd like to include on your holiday schedule, just add it to your list.   Keep it with you & check it often.....stay on your Happy Holiday Trail and may your days be Merry & Bright!..........Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all!  Peace, Paula

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4. 85

   bravewarriorposted 8 years ago

   I've learned to live within my means (the hard way, trust me!). If I can't pay cash, I don't buy. Fortunately, I only have my son to buy for. My parents, brother and sister don't expect gifts, nor will they allow me to spend my money on them; cards and a phone call suffices.
   
   I do my baking on the weekends a couple of weeks before Christmas. Again, it's only me and my son, so I don't have to make more than two types of cookies each year.
   
   As far as the Christmas meal, I ask my son what he'd like for dinner. More times than not, he doesn't choose the typical spend-days-in-the-kitchen spreads that leave us too full and with too many leftovers. Living (and eating simply) seems to work for us.
   
   I don't put up a tree anymore. Instead, I have a 3' tall tabletop tree made out of green and red ribbons that I put on an end table, under which we place our gifts to each other. My son puts up the outside lights and I decorate the interior and places I can reach outside.
   
   We try to keep it simple and remember the reason for the season.

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