Don’t Let Stress Spoil Your Christmas

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

The holidays are a time that most people look forward to every year. But Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other holiday involving travel and family gatherings can easily turn into a stressful ordeal before you know it. The holidays are supposed to be FUN, not stressful. Don’t let easily preventable problems ruin it for you and your family. Follow the simple tips outlined in this handy guide to ensure that this year—and every year—you remember the holidays for the right reasons.

 

1. Plan ahead

As is the case with physical illness, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Don’t just run around in a frenzy trying to take care of errands before the holidays. Make a clear list of what you need to do, and when you need to do it. Break up larger tasks, like cooking a big meal for the relatives, into smaller pieces. This might seem like obvious and nonspecific advice, but it really does help, and few people bother to do it. Don’t run around like chicken with its head cut off trying to take care of last-minute shopping. With a plan in hand, you’ll be at your holiday destination sipping some eggnog and relaxing, because you took care of everything a month ago.

 

2. Give Yourself Enough Time

This ties into the advice above, and applies to holiday travel plans, dinner preparations, and gift purchases. Don’t put things off until the last second. Prepare ahead of time and make sure you have everything so you’re not frazzled when the big day comes. When it comes to travel, everyone’s schedules and destinations are different, but as a general rule, leaving a few hours earlier or leaving a few days earlier can make a big difference.

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