As you move through the stores and see all of the holiday decorations, no doubt you're used to the idea of 'getting ready for the holidays' by now. And, to many of us, it might seem just a tad ridiculous to prepare over a month ahead of time for holidays that are coming at the end of the year. Or it may seem like markers trying to make as much money as they can. And it might seem like overkill to get all of the preparations for all holidays for the rest of the year taken care of before Thanksgiving has even come and gone.But there's a reason to prepare now--a reason that can benefit you: you can really reduce stress this way. Perhaps even better: you can save money! (And saving money reduces stress even more, right? Now we're talking!)
The reason you can relieve stress is that schedules get crazy-busy in December, at least for most people. Doing extra shopping, sending out cards, planning and attending parties, even participating in traditions with kids--these are all things that can be quite a bit of fun at other times in the year, but during the holiday season, they far too often feel like chores! (Think about it: during the rest of the year, most people who have a party to attend might announce this is a happy voice with a spring in their step; during the month of December, people usually announce, 'I have to go to three parties this week!' in more of an exhausted whiney moan. That's what the stress of being too busy can do to otherwise fun events.)
If you start working on whittling down your To Do List now, before things get too insanely busy, things might never reach that point. You can enjoy the parties, savor the cooking, drink in the holiday lights and perhaps even sing a few carols like a sane person. And create happy memories that you're not too exhausted to remember.
And, as for saving money, you probably thought I was talking about saving on sales, didn't you? Well, you're right, but I'm also talking about other things. If you start planning now, you can try cheap Christmas gift ideas (or holiday gift ideas) like coordinating with family and friends to spend less money, buy only for the children, exchange thoughtful homemade gifts or meaningful cards, or take other money-saving routes. (This year in particular, most people would be very grateful for being 'let off the hook' on holiday overspending themselves!) You can also save on postage if you're not paying the 'rush shipping' charges, or can perhaps save on shipping altogether if you can hand-deliver gifts to those you might be seeing for Thanksgiving.
To help you get started, I've put together a free holiday stress relief e course--it'll take you through holiday cards (there IS a simpler way!), holiday meals, holiday gift-buying, and more.
Also, I recently talked with radio host Toni Schutta about holiday stress and ways to relieve it. Listen To The Interview Here
What are your best tips for managing, minimizing, or altogether avoiding holiday stress? Leave them in the comments section.
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