Remember being a kid and marveling at the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season? It is a distant but comforting memory. Over time that memory fades away with the demands of adulthood. Managing the inevitable stress that comes with the holiday season is so important. Every year I remind myself that in order to be present for the magic during the holidays, I have to stick with following my “sets.”
- Set up reasonable expectations. Will I see every family member and attend every work and friend holiday gathering? No. Identify the people who bring you joy and prioritize your time with them.
- Set the self-expectation bar low. I grew up in households that embraced family traditions of homemade foods and desserts. Sometimes life doesn’t afford time and energy for homemade food. Guess what? Supporting local small businesses also gives me a sense of tradition. I’ll save time on buying versus baking a dessert, with no question that it’s going to taste delicious. Plus baking requires precise measurements. As someone who flies by the seat of their pants while cooking, that’s an impossible method for successful baking.
- Set a budget. I have desperately been trying to move my family away from the urge to consume and spend money on gifts. The gifts will be loved for short periods of time, donated, or lost. I saw my first holiday commercial in October and I immediately felt sad. Not for the “let’s wait until halloween is over” folks, but for the pressure to spend money on limited edition toys or gadgets. Not to mention, if you’re going into debt during the holiday season, not only do you add the stress of shopping, but you face a long term financial burden of having to pay your credit card off.
- Set (or stick to) your sleep schedule, exercise, and dietary routines. If you commit (or over commit) to attending gatherings, chances are you’ll be up later than usual and consuming food or beverages that aren’t in the daily rotation. While most of us work throughout the holiday season (like any other season), we can’t afford to sacrifice our sleep as it’s a cornerstone to our daily functioning. Read more about the importance of sleep here and here. Now I’m not saying “don’t eat the pie,” as I will definitely enjoy homemade (or hometown small bakery business made) pie, I’m emphasizing the importance of taking care of our bodies and mind as exercise, healthy food, and sleep can help manage challenging emotions or feelings associated with the holidays.
