7 Easy Ways to Eliminate Holiday Stress

That most wonderful time of year is but a few weeks away. With so much to do, don’t let holiday stress rob you of a peaceful Christmas.

7 Easy Ways to Eliminate Holiday Stress

Which scenario best describes your house at Christmastime? Your family snuggles on the couch with blankets and hot cocoa under the twinkling lights of your beautifully decorated tree, as you take in a cheesy but tender Hallmark Christmas movie on a perfectly peaceful December evening. Or . . . well, just picture the same tree and lights but in a chaotic, disorganized setting.

We all want our holiday season to look like an old-fashioned greeting card. We escape to those picture-perfect Christmas movies because they depict the serene Christmases we long for. The fact is, that fictional Christmas probably ain’t gonna happen. Not when we’re dealing with holiday stress caused båy work, family obligations, shopping lists, sending holiday cards, decorating, baking the perfect Christmas cookies, etc.

Take a deep breath and remember, your holiday season is what you make of it. To help your Christmas run more smoothly, check out these holiday stress helps.

1. Store-bought goodies are legal. Baking during the holidays can be fun, and doubtlessly you have gobs of recipes collected over the years. But if you’re under a time crunch or lack energy, your grocery store bakery may have a nice substitute. Pull out your festive platter, and you’re good to go!

2. Christmas shopping for girls can be daunting. Girls of all ages are picky, and they often know just what they want, so where is the fun in the surprise? This article 18 Ultimate Christmas gifts for teen girls lists 18 really fun Christmas ideas for the teen girls in your life. This one  17 Christmas gifts for best friends includes gift ideas for your girlfriends.

3. For the precious baby in your life, look no further than these “No-Fail Best Baby Toys.” Babies love toys, and you can feel good about helping his learning and growth. Toys aid in developing motor skills and cognitive thinking.

4. Shopping is fun, but stick to your budget. Create a Christmas shopping list and resist the urge to buy more than you need. Tone down the spending by creating homemade gifts, or suggest a family gift exchange.

5. Carve out some time from your schedule to relax—alone. Escape holiday family stress to take a bath. Write a personal letter to an old friend and slip it in her Christmas card. Watch a Christmas movie (sappy is okay!). Read a book. Treat yourself to one of these “15 Best Chocolate Christmas Gifts”. Meet a close friend for lunch.

6. It’s okay to say no. Holiday parties, dinners, charity events, and church functions are great, but if you’re being asked to take on too much, step back. Remember that your family comes first.

7. Don’t throw nutrition out the window. Of course you should indulge in some holiday goodies; let’s be realistic here! But you’ll feel better about yourself if you limit the sugar. Fill up with a healthy snack before hitting the holiday parties. Try to slip in a vigorous walk each day, too.

Hopefully, these holiday stress busters will help pave the way to the peaceful, magical Christmas you desire.