Staying sane this holiday season
Will you do away with the old and try something new?

by Penny Powell

The holidays are upon us and does the mere thought of the numerous preparations of the season make you cringe? Probably so! Unfortunately, this tends to be a stressful time of year for many. Why? One reason is that so many of us are guilty of simply losing sight of what and why we're celebrating. Instead, we get consumed by commercialism; we get taken over by to-do lists and end up feeling let down when we don't accomplish it all. Simply, we just don't take the time to relax and fully enjoy the joy that the holidays are meant to bring.

The first tip for staying sane this holiday season is to reflect on the occasion; understand what it is you're celebrating. Knowledge is power! Refresh your memory while teaching your children at the same time -- perhaps through a fun children's book. This family "study" time could prove to be both educational and relaxing. And while selecting interesting related books, pick out a relaxing holiday CD, too -- for you! This is something you can listen to -- to put yourself back in balance -- when you feel your stress level starting to rise. Never underestimate the power of music and a good book -- and a prayer!

Once you have reflected, focus on the ways you and your family will celebrate the occasion. Come up with a plan. Will you keep it quiet and simple? Will you host a lively dinner for family and friends? Will you stick with tradition or come up with a new tradition all your own? Once your plan has been established, design a strategy. It's no secret that planning ahead minimizes stress levels and allows you to see the bigger "picture" of what lies ahead.

The choice to do away with tradition is always another option for staying sane. Perhaps taking a family field trip related to the holidays -- instead of hosting a huge dinner -- or going on a mini getaway are ways to establish a new tradition for your family. Find creative ways to celebrate. Brainstorm about this with your family. Make if fun. Your kids are sure to come up with some ideas that are likely to pleasantly surprise you, too. Encourage their input. If holiday traditions have brought you nothing but stress in the past, then this is the year to try something new. Do away with the old and come up with something new. Tap into your creative energy.

However, if you opt to stick with tradition and host a dinner or some type of large family function, don't forget to utilize your support system. Create a team. Spread the responsibility if you can. Often we can, but don't! Remember, the point here is to try and not get overwhelmed by responsibility -- which is sure to happen if you attempt to do it all yourself -- especially if there is much to do and if you don't start planning and preparing well in advance. Think about who is good at what in your family and circle of friends, and then get to assigning some tasks. For instance, instead of burdening yourself with all of the cooking, let family and friends each bring a dish. If your budget allows, this is the year you may want to have a catered affair.

When it comes to shopping this holiday season -- especially during Christmastime -- remember that shopping online can curb the stress. No crowds, no lines! Think about how exciting it can be when those boxes of goods get delivered right to your door -- and you never had to leave your home to purchase your items. This is a sure way to minimize shopping stress. Some sites invite users to create a wish list for family and friends to view. If this will help, you may want to inform those you are shopping for about this feature and then all you'll have to do is preview their wish list and select what you'd like to buy!

Whatever you decide to do for the holidays, take time to also remember yourself in the process. Remind yourself that your goal is to stay sane this year. This season is a holiday season -- which is an opportunity to slow down and take a break. Why call it a holiday if we're not going to pause, right? Keep going back to that CD if necessary. Keep reflecting. Keep thinking of the purpose of the holiday. Get caught up in true meaning -- and not all of the commercialism.

Really make a conscious choice to stay sane this holiday season. If you let the holidays drive you insane, well, then you'll have missed the whole point......and what good is that?


Penny Powell is a freelance writer from Bermuda who currently resides in Florida with her husband, Collin, and their 7-year-old son, Caleb. Since becoming a mother, Penny writes primarily about parenting and has also written a children's book that she hopes to have published soon.



December 1, 2003