Why Are Holidays So Stressful? - Part 2

Considering that stress is widely associated with holidays, what can be done to eliminate or reduce it? There are several things you can do, but first, accept that much of the stress is self induced. We do it to ourselves. Now let's look at ways to control it.

First, get organized. Sit down before the holiday and decide what you want to accomplish during this holiday. (Do this at least 4 to 6 weeks before the event.) If you are going to prepare a meal, what will you prepare and what do you need to do it? Write it down. If you need presents, for whom, what, and how much to spend? Write it down. Take the time to think of everything you want to do during the holiday and WRITE IT DOWN!

Once you have the list, review it with your spouse (or partner or your best friend). Decide who will do what, when, and your budget. Put on your list the time to accomplish each step and make sure you are generous with deadlines so you have time to overcome shortcomings. Get your partner, spouse, or friend to committ to the plan. If you are doing it all yourself, make sure you have adequate time allowed for each step.

Now is the time to invite your guests and get their commitments so you know exactly how many to expect. Go back to your plan and adjust for the number people who will attend your party. Work into your plan some considerations for some last minute cancellations and the possibility of some last minute additional guests.

To avoid the crowds, do your shopping on line. You can go online and check out Target, Walmart, KMart, and others, see what they have, the price, AND whether it is available in your local store. You can order it (if available locally), pay for it, and then go to the store and pick it up (if its large, they will even load it for you). Many local grocery stores will offer a complete package of holiday meals you can order, pick up, and then you can do some personal additions in your kitchen.

For decorations, you should consider the simple and tasteful to avoid too much effort which could limit time for other aspects of your plan. Of course, there are some of us who go "bananas" with Christmas decorations or, for us gulf coast residents, Mardi Gras is really big.

Lastly, don't be afraid to ask your guests to contribute to your party. This could be in the form of bringing a dessert, or condiments, or some side dish. OR, you could ask for help in clean up and dish washing. If you have overnight guests, ask them to strip the beds before they leave. Some guests may even pitch in to put clean sheets on the beds for you.

Planning is the key to eliminate stress. Don't be hard on yourself. Take set backs in stride. Things happen and adequate time in preparation will overcome most everything. And remember, you must enjoy yourself too, so make everything involved easy on yourself, and don't bite off more than you can chew. Now, enjoy.