Seasonal traditions and making merry with family and friends can be completely overwhelming — a winter whirlwind of events to attend and to-do lists to complete. In fact, more than 80% of Americans find the holiday season to be “somewhat” or “very” stressful, according to an About.com poll.
So as you plan celebrations and gift giving, try to avoid the stress and consider these tips that can help keep you organized, spirited — and best of all, relaxed and ready to enjoy the season.
Start the day with a smile
The holidays are a
season of giving and sharing. Treat your coworkers to a cup of coffee or
holiday treat, or simply wish a stranger a happy holiday season. An
unexpected surprise for a friend will make his or her day and also keep
your spirits high.
Be ready for anything
Alleviate last-minute
stress by preparing for the inevitable surprises. Have plenty of goodies
on hand in case a visitor stops by unexpectedly. You don’t have to go
out of your way. Stock up on essentials like your favorite holiday snack
mix, candy and gourmet coffee blends.
Personalize it
Make every gift stand out
with personalized wrapping paper — and let your children make their own
holiday cards to send and give out. Jenn Sbranti, editor-in-chief and
founder of Hostess with the Mostess, recommends using creative rubber
stamps or stencils with festive-colored inks and paints to decorate
cards, gift tags and wrapping paper with everyone’s favorite holiday
images and wintery designs. Make it a party.
Give gifts that everyone will love
Most everybody has at
least a few people on their gift lists who can’t go a day without their
favorite coffee, tea or espresso beverage. Look no further than the
coffee shop around the corner for a gift that everyone loves, like a new
coffee mug, travel tumbler or a gift card. Quick and easy, these gifts
are no-brainers and sure to please. And there’s a Starbucks or Coffee
Bean & Tea Leaf seemingly around every corner.
Treat yourself
Remember to do
something nice for yourself, too. Whether it’s indulging in quiet time
with a new book by the fire or having an afternoon treat, take time to
relax and enjoy the holiday season.
Give back
Make a donation, big or
small, to your favorite charity. Whether it’s giving to a local animal
shelter or contributing to the neighborhood food bank, every bit helps
and there’s nothing more fulfilling — or in keeping with the spirit —
than giving back during the holiday season.
Start fun new traditions
Instead of the same
old holiday cookies, create a major “wow” factor with festive
presentations. Display freshly baked and creatively decorated cookies in
pretty boxes lined with gift-wrapcovered Styrofoam. Your creations will
look like they came from a professional pastry chef and stand out among
all the traditional cookie baskets.
Plan a holiday movie night
Introduce your kids to the
classics. From “Miracle on 34th Street” to “It’s a Wonderful Life,”
these movies are sure to bring back fond memories for you and create a
memorable impression on your kids. Maybe balance it out with a few of
their more recent favorites, instant classics like “Elf” and “Polar
Express.”
Plan ahead for travel
Airport delays and long
flights can take their toll. Keep your energy level up and frustrations
down, even in the most trying of circumstances, by bringing along a
favorite pair of cozy socks and pocketful of comfort snacks; invest in
noisecancelling headphones and a good book, fire up the iPod and let
your cares fly away.
Recharge with a nonholiday day
You’ll enjoy the
hustle and bustle of the season more if you refresh yourself with a
break, a day full of non-holiday-related activities. Hit the salon,
check out that exhibit you’ve been eyeing at the museum, take in a movie
or take a leisurely stroll in the park. A day away to recharge might
well be the best cure for seasonal stress and frustration.
—ARA Content