Make Your Holiday Season More Meaningful and Less Stressful 

Holiday parties, shopping, baking, cooking, wrapping presents and decorating are just a few of the activities and obligations we face during the holiday season. The list doesn’t stop there and it’s no wonder why people find themselves stressed and overwhelmed toward the end of the year. Here are a few tips to help you manage expectations, save money, have more fun and avoid holiday stress factors. 

Be realistic

Setting realistic expectations for yourself and your children can help you to avoid a lot of stress and disappointment. Here are some ideas to help.

• Learn to say no. Don’t feel obligated to make it to every holiday party or event that you or your children get invited to. And if you don’t have time to make eight dozen cookies for your daughter’s school Christmas party, just say “no.”
• Set a budget before you go holiday food and gift shopping. Decide how much you can afford and stick to that amount.
• The advertisements that kids see during the holidays can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment if they don’t get everything on their wish list. Ask your children to pick out one or two toys or gifts they want, instead of making a long wish list. If you have older children, do a family gift exchange. Get more tips about making the holidays less materialistic. 

Focus on giving, not getting 

This year, encourage your family to think about ways you can give back to the community, instead of focusing on what presents you’ll be getting. Volunteering or donating can really boost a child’s self esteem and make them more appreciative of what they have. It’s important to teach them that even just one person can make a difference. Look into volunteering at a soup kitchen, giving blood, visiting a senior citizen’s home, or donating old toys and clothes.

View The Children’s Hospital Wish List for ideas of ways to donate. (.pdf)

Learn more about “getting rid of the gimmies.”

Get crafty

Some of the most special and meaningful gifts are those that are homemade. Helping your children make gifts for friends and family can be a great time for you to bond and have fun as a family. Arts and crafts can also be a therapeutic activity to help you unwind during times of stress or high activity. Read more about creating gifts for family and friends.

Here are just a few ideas for some craft projects that would also make great gifts.

• Family photo album
• Homemade ornaments 
• Painted pottery 
• Custom artwork
• Decorate picture frames

Get active and avoid the junk food

For most Americans, the holidays last from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day; during this time our homes, offices, schools and churches are usually full of unhealthy holiday treats. It’s important to teach your children healthy eating habits and to lead by example, even during holiday celebrations.

Get some healthy Thanksgiving recipes and tips.

Read more about getting your child the proper nutrition during the holidays and year-round.

In addition, make it a priority to stay active with your kids and encourage them to play outside, even if it’s snowy – bundle up and build a snowman. Some other festive activities could be ice skating or walking around the neighborhood or city to see holiday lights.

Perhaps most importantly, remember to get plenty of rest and take the time to relax and enjoy being around your family and friends!