The holidays are here. For many families, buying gifts, preparing for holiday meals and figuring out what to get for relatives is stressful. With inflation, everything is more expensive — food, drink, gifts and gas. Now that the pandemic is waning, we’re back to holiday parties at work and with friends. It’s a busy time for many adults.
So, how can we approach this holiday period with greater calm, comfort and care?
Be realistic. Striving for the perfect holiday meal, experience or day is a recipe for anxiety. What if you come down with a COVID-19, RSV or the flu two days before Christmas? What if the toy your child wants is out of stock? What if the electricity goes out due to a windstorm? What if the wonderful meal you plan doesn’t turn out the way you hoped?
Let go of seeking perfection. Each Christmas doesn’t have to be the best one. Over the course of many years, there will be great holidays, mediocre ones and ones you don’t want to remember. Let go of your expectations and roll with whatever comes your way.
Don’t drink too much. In some families when everyone gets together, underground family tensions rise to the surface. Uncle Joe who can’t stand Aunt Millie starts to drink away his irritation. with gin and tonics. Before you know it, he starts to say what he thinks — not a good idea! Pour alcohol on a political difference and you can have a bonfire on your hands.
Indeed, too much alcohol can precipitate a health crisis. Binge drinking is dangerous and can contribute to chronic diseases like diabetes, stroke and heart disease. It can also increase the risk of injury, violence and car accidents.
If you anticipate that holiday drinking could be a problem for you, decide how much you’ll drink beforehand and stick to it. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Consult your personal health care provider if you feel you or someone you know has a drinking problem. Other resources include the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service, available at 1-800-662-HELP. This service can provide you with information about treatment programs in your local community and allow you to speak with someone about alcohol problems.
Don’t overspend. Credit cards enable holiday celebrators to buy now and pay later. But that growing credit card bill with a crazy interest rate just puts off the inevitable. In the good old days, banks used to sponsor Christmas savings clubs that start in January and build up cash for the next holiday.
Be reasonable. Don’t add unnecessary stress to your festive holiday. It’s about connecting with friends and family, not about the cash value of gifts given or received.
Take care of your health. It’s important as we attend holiday gatherings to minimize the risks of infection. Make sure to be up to date with COVID-19 boosters and the yearly flu vaccine. For older adults, it’s particularly important to have your yearly annual wellness visit with your primary care provider.
Take time to exercise. Take some time to walk or go to the gym. Take a yoga class, online or in person. I know the weather stinks this time of year, but so what! We live in the beautiful Northwest where everything is green. Put on your rain gear and head outside. You won’t regret taking a 30-minute walk in the middle of your holiday preparations.
Take a hot bath. During this damp and cold time of year, take a long soak in the bathtub. Throw in some Lavender Epsom salts to warm and relax your tight muscles. Light a couple of candles and let your tensions melt away.
Remember what’s important. Don’t get distracted by other’s expectations, everyone else’s needs or your own hopes. What’s important to you about the holidays? What do you want to celebrate? Stay focused on the big picture.
And then sit back and enjoy.
Paul Schoenfeld is a clinical psychologist at The Everett Clinic. His Family Talk blog can be found at www. everettclinic.com/ healthwellness-library.html.
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