How to De-Stress the Holidays

I have never been one to sleep well during the holidays. I always worry about something: whether it’s getting to the plane on time, or cooking the right dish, or finding time to buy gifts, or reigning in my spouse’s spending… The list goes on.

So to help readers like me, we spent some time collecting ideas to “de-stress” the holidays. You will find a collection of holiday stories that include tips and hints for decorating, gift ideas, recipes and more on FarmersAlmanacTV.com.

In the meantime, here are a few guidelines for surviving the holidays:

Keep It Simple. The biggest reason for out-of-control holiday stress comes from trying to overdo it. If you’re planning your own party, or sorting out gifts for your extended family, don’t feel obligated to make it to every single party, or buy for the whole office.

Plan in advance. Buy staples, paper goods and liquor well ahead of any dinner or event. The week leading up to the get-together, polish silverware and serving pieces, wash crystal and china, and launder and iron table linens. The day before, set the table and get flowers or greenery for decoration. Give the house a final swift cleaning.

Try to do one thing a day. Make a list of holiday-related errands and try to knock out one errand a day. Scratch it off your list as you complete it. By breaking everything down into bite-size chunks, your tasks will not seem so enormous.

Accept offers of help. If someone volunteers to bring a dish, entertain the kids for a few hours while you cook or help clean up, say yes! And don’t be shy about asking for assistance. When everyone pitches in, it’s everyone’s party. Share the duties and share the fun.

By Jennifer Dlugozima, VP of Marketing

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