Tips for a stress-free Holiday Season

The Holiday's can be a very stressful time. It's the shopping, it's the parking, it's the planning. Here are  some tips to help you get through the season with the least amount of stress as possible.

1. Stay away from controversial topics
Gatherings over the Holiday season can be overwhelming at times. The sheer volume of family members in one house usually doesn't happen often, so use it to catch up. Stay away from subjects that may create tension, especially within your own immediate family. Using these events as a platform for debate with family members will only be destructive to the Holiday atmosphere. Stray away from topics such as politics and money. Expressing your views on current government activities, such as the military or taxes, may build up an unceasing argument leading to frustration and animosity. If a relative initiates such conversation, politely deflect directly answering and bring up a more neutral topic (something Christmas related is always a safe bet!) 

2. Remember the true meaning of the Holiday Season
With the pressure of getting friends and family exactly what they want, many people forget the real reason behind celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah. Even if you're not a Christian celebrating the birth of Jesus or Jewish celebrating Hanukkah, the Holidays are a time meant to spread joy and be thankful for what we have. Especially with the current state of the economy, the focus of this Holiday Season should not be on how much you spend.
Translation: Don't stress over presents. Be thankful for the time you have with your family and friends, rather than emphasizing material possessions.
Advice: Try going the sentimental route and giving picture frames from a family vacation or similar outing. Another thought is giving back to those who are less fortunate through gifts, donations, or a couple hours of your time. This simply act of service can make a world of a difference for someone's Christmas or Hanukkah.

3. Use this time to reflect on the past year
Enjoy your time off over Christmas and New Years. Reminisce over both the good and bad, gains and losses. Celebrating the first Holiday without loved ones will be difficult, but it teaches us to cherish everything we are given. Our lives are richer from what these loved ones have taught us while here with us. Family gatherings, such as weddings, funerals, and holidays, still hold the common blessing of bringing us back together, no matter what the reason.

4. Come up with a New Year's Resolution
1st Rule: make it realistic. Make a New Year's Resolution that is attainable. Then once you reach it, make another resolution. Setting several mini goals will make it easier to eventually reach the end result. Avoid resolutions that require financial commitments. Example: Instead of joining the gym, use your own surroundings as a place to shape up. Taking daily notes of your progress will also create stronger motivation. Start a food journal or take a daily photo in the same outfit, enabling you to clearly see changes from week to week.

5. Let Lose and Be Merry!
Use the Holidays as a time to celebrate what you have and blow off steam from a crazy year. Life is easier when you look at it from a positive viewpoint. We all have so much to be thankful for, both individually and as a nation. Spread the joy of the season even after Christmas and New Year's. A simple greeting or expression of graditude can go a long way, and karma will reward you later on.

So enjoy this wonderful time with your loved ones and be thankful for all the great food, wine, and memories!