Last year, many of us had to think outside the box for our holiday celebrations. My small family chose to skip visiting the extended family for the first time ever. Initially, we felt a bit down about it, but soon realized it presented a unique chance to have a laid-back Christmas at home. That holiday turned out to be wonderfully relaxing for everyone—especially for me, since, like many mothers, I usually handle most of the holiday stress.
With the holiday season fast approaching again, I want to make it joyful and bright while reducing my stress. So, I reached out to Dr. Emily Carter, a neuropsychologist; Mark Davidson, a bestselling author and dad of two; and Dr. Linda Blake, a psychologist, to gather their insights. What I discovered is that with a bit of intention, we can craft a cheerful Christmas for our families without the added stress. Here’s how.
Embrace Mindfulness Over Busyness
Dr. Carter pointed out that during the holidays, we often operate on autopilot, rushing to check off all the boxes. The antidote to this is being intentional—taking a moment to consider what the holiday means to us. Instead of getting lost in the chaos of planning, we should prioritize our mental health. I’ve found meditation apps to be particularly helpful in cultivating mindfulness.
Create a Family Plan
Mark shared that his family puts together a Christmas bucket list each year, highlighting their “must-do” activities. This list includes simple traditions they all enjoy, such as baking cookies, watching holiday movies, and driving around to admire festive lights. Anything beyond that is considered a bonus, thus easing family stress by focusing on what truly matters.
Self-Check
Dr. Blake emphasized the importance of checking in with ourselves. Taking a moment to reflect on our needs can reveal what we may need to change for our mental and physical well-being.
Set Boundaries
We all have that one family member who makes uncomfortable remarks, which can cause anxiety during get-togethers. Dr. Carter advises clearly communicating your boundaries. If a topic arises that you prefer to avoid, simply state, “I’d rather not discuss that.” If your boundaries aren’t respected, it’s perfectly okay to excuse yourself from the situation.
Prioritize Self-Care
Mark mentioned that during hectic times, women often neglect their own needs, which can have a negative impact overall. What does self-care look like for you? Make a commitment to daily activities that nourish your well-being, whether it’s exercising, meditating, or enjoying a good book.
Plan Ahead
To effectively communicate your boundaries, preparation is key. Identify situations or comments that could disrupt your holiday fun. Dr. Blake suggested crafting responses or strategies to handle potential triggers in advance, so you’re not caught off guard.
Let Go of Perfectionism
Holiday movies often showcase flawless celebrations, which can set unrealistic expectations. Dr. Carter encourages us to challenge these perfectionistic thoughts and embrace the reality that not every aspect of the holidays needs to be perfect.
Ask for Help
It’s vital to recognize when you need assistance. Don’t let pride hold you back from seeking help. Whether it’s asking others in your household for support or utilizing delivery services, the more help you have, the more time you can devote to what truly matters.
Say No
Creating a bucket list can also help you identify traditions that your family isn’t fond of. It’s perfectly acceptable to decline certain invitations, even if they’ve been part of your routine in the past. A simple “We won’t be able to join this year, but thank you for the invite” is all it takes. Use that time for activities your family genuinely enjoys—be it cozying up in pajamas with some coffee and a holiday movie.
As you plan your holiday festivities this season, focus on reducing stress and amplifying joy for everyone involved.
For more insights on managing parenting stress during the holidays, check out our other blog posts, including one on home insemination, which offers great tips for creating a supportive environment. Also, for authoritative information on this topic, visit this resource on infertility or this excellent guide on treating infertility.
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Summary:
This article encourages families to embrace mindfulness and intentionality during the holiday season to reduce stress. It offers practical suggestions such as creating a holiday bucket list, setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and letting go of perfectionism. The goal is to foster joy and connection while minimizing the pressures often associated with traditional holiday celebrations.