Managing Holiday Stress for Families
As the song by Andy Williams goes, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." The holiday season is joyous but can also be overwhelming for families. As you prepare for the festivities, spend time with loved ones, buy last-minute gifts, and get ready for activities or travel, the hustle and bustle can add stress to the household. Here are some tips for managing the holiday stress, so that you can enjoy the season with your family!
Stick to Your Routine as Much as Possible
Holidays often bring about late nights and shifted schedules—especially on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. While you might want to allow some flexibility, try to keep your family’s usual routine intact on non-holiday days. Ensuring that your kids get enough sleep and eat well is important. Staying up late for a celebration is fine as a one-off, but be mindful of how it affects your child’s sleep patterns. Maintaining consistency as much as possible will help make the transition back to school and regular schedules smoother after the holiday break.
Get Your Kids Involved
Preparing for holiday dinners and events can feel like a lot on your to-do list, so don’t hesitate to enlist your children’s help with holiday tasks. Including them not only lightens your workload but also creates opportunities for bonding. If you're decorating cookies or the Christmas tree, consider adding music or turning these activities into a game. Moments like this can transform chores into cherished holiday traditions while keeping everyone engaged and in the spirit.
Set Boundaries and Manage Expectations
The holidays come with a flurry of invitations and activities, but you don’t have to say yes to everything. If attending another party or event feels like too much, it’s okay to decline. Be realistic about what you can handle and prioritize quality time over quantity of events. Setting boundaries helps your family enjoy the season without feeling stretched too thin.
Take Precautions to Stay Healthy
While the holidays are a time when people can take a vacation break and see their loved ones, it's also a time when people get sick. Viral infections like the flu, common cold, and COVID are more prevalent during the colder months when people spend more time indoors in closed spaces. Make sure your family takes preventive measures like washing hands with soap regularly for 20 seconds, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and getting vaccinated.
Make Time to Relax
Amid all the business, remember to take a breather. Carve out time for your family to relax and recharge. Whether it’s watching a favorite holiday movie, reading books, or singing holiday tunes, these moments of downtime can reduce stress.
It’s also important to check in with your children’s emotional well-being during this time. Holiday stress can sometimes impact their mental health. Remind your child that you are there to support them and they can talk to you about any difficult feelings they're dealing with.
Remember that we are also here to support your family too. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and healthy holiday season!
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