The TV ad started in late August or so. I remember because I was astonished and quite frankly irked. "It isn't even the end of summer and they're advertising fake Christmas trees!" Yup. That company which sells all things Christmas, somehow decided to start placing its ads on television early this year. I am not sure why, but they must think that if they do so, people will buy. Not me. I am of the mind that too early or too much is out of season. I've learned to simplify the holidays.
My stress level thanks me.
You too can lower stress if you remember a few things. It's not too late, you know?
Remember the reason for the season. Whatever "the Holidays" means to you is important. Is it really a celebration of the birth of Jesus or has it become more of a consuming holiday? What if you aren't Christian, or of a belief system that celebrates that of God every day and eschews designated holidays? What if you don't have a family? Can you still celebrate the fun and festivities? The answer is a decided "yes,"if you want to. Happiness comes from our beliefs and goals. But you can also not do anything out of the ordinary and be okay. It's up to you.
Keep your expectations in check. Oh, yeah. This is really important. There is such multi-media push to get your money. So much hype. Do you really have to spend so much to celebrate? Center yourself. Contemplate the holiday's meaning to you. Follow your inner light.
Review your finances, then set up and stick with a budget. Investopedia estimates that individual shoppers will spend an average of $900 per person for Christmas. For more information about how to keep your shopping costs down, click here.
Just because you "always have done it" doesn't mean you still have to. Traditions are important but if they are stressing you out, tweak them so they aren't so trying. I love celebrating the Ukrainian Christmas Eve Holy Night dinner that my mother and grandmother would prepare. But when life got tough for me on occasions, I found shortcuts that saved time and energy (like preparing most of the foods ahead of time, freezing them and then thawing them in the microwave just before the sunset meal). Make your own traditions that work for you and incorporate those you believe you must keep. Choice is key to lowering stress.
Grieving? Hurting? Holidays are especially difficult on those in the first months and years after a loss, or for those with illnesses, addictions and other maladies. Reach out. You are not alone. We are here to help.
Here's wishing you all things happy, healthy, peaceful.
Daria at the SMOHIT HELPLINE, 877-884-6227 24/7/365
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