Tis the season to be stressed out fa-la-la-la-la, la-la la la
Ah, that wonderful Christmas carol we all know so well. Whether you’re a giddy Christmas elf or a scrooge who looks forward to it as much as your next proctology exam, the holidays too often leave us both financially and emotionally bankrupt.
This year we have the added bonus of dealing with travel bans, closed restaurants, speaking through masks and not getting together with family and friends to celebrate like we are used to. Not to mention the added financial strain many are feeling due to losing a job due to these pandemic regulations.
4 Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress in 2020
Not too surprising, the American Psychological Association reports that that one in five adults are more worse off mentally now than they were this time last year. Ironically it is the “shelter in place” type of regulations that makes Christmas 2020 the perfect time for a holiday reset! Let’s look at five simple things you can do this season to reduce the stress.
#4. Intentionally schedule down time
It’s so important to set boundaries before you’re up to your neck in Christmas activities. Decide what’s important to you and focus on that. If you’re married, talk to your spouse about all the events, programs and parties and intentionally schedule what’s important and works for you both.
One thing that should be on the schedule is “down time.” Make time for peace and quiet for you individually, for you and your spouse, and you and your family together. Make sure you do the things you love. Maybe that’s a daily devotional, reading a book, or listening to music with your eyes closed (not glued to your smart phone). Pop some popcorn and watch a Christmas movie with the family or play some board games.
In short, prioritize family’s time and only commit to what you really want to do.
#3. Only spend money that you have.
Make a Christmas spending budget. Literally write a list of all the people you intend to buy a gift for and how much you intend to spend on each gift. The total should be an amount that you can afford today. Not something you will hopefully pay off over the next three months.
While this may seem like a chore, when you are done, you will be less stressed because a budget brings the freedom that comes with being in control of your money. Do not wake up the day after Christmas stressed out because you fear what the impending credit card bill will demand. Make a budget that you can afford and stick to it. You’ll be happy that you did.
#2. Limit your social media time
In an article on reducing stress, I can’t stress this one enough. Keep your phone out of the bedroom! Protect the first and last hour of your day. Too many of us start and end our days with Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Instead, do something relaxing and/or productive right after you wake up and right before you go to bed.
Instead of being one of 30 people to give an on-line “like” or thumbs up to someone’s post, use that phone to actually give them a call and chat for 20 minutes. The encouragement that will bring you both will be many times greater than a thousand electronic likes.
#1. Openly express gratitude.
Being grateful and expressing thanks is a choice, not an emotion. Choose to be thankful for the people and things in your life. And express them out loud. Tell your family, tell your friends, and offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for the reason we’re celebrating Christmas to begin with.
How stressed out do you think Joseph and Mary were leading up to the birth of Jesus!? But look what God did. He sent angels to both of them separately to tell them what his plan was. He sent shepherds and wise men to celebrate the birth of their son. Look for the blessings in this Christmas season and I am confident you will find them…and be grateful.