How to Manage Holiday Stress

No matter how hard we try, something always seems to go wrong in the busy and stressful holiday season. By thinking ahead, hoping for the best, but still planning for the worse, we are better able to enjoy the season.

PROBLEM - COOKING MISHAP

What if you have a house full of people waiting for the big dinner, and something goes wrong. What happens if the bread or pie gets burned, due to you being distracted? Or, you forgot something at the store and all stores in your town are closed today?

WHAT DO YOU DO?

On the big day, realize that there is not much you can do, and be ok with that. Make a joke out of it. If you laugh it off, others will too. In reality, what got burned will probably not even be missed with all the other food available. To plan ahead, keep the Butterball help line available in case you have any turkey emergencies on the big day (1-800-BUTTERBALL).

PROBLEM - FORGOTTEN GIFT

What if you just received a gift from an out of state cousin, and now don't have time to purchase a gift and mail it.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Think gift certificates online. Out of such a variety like restaurants, spa, stores, or entertainment; thee is something for everyone. Many companies will email the gift certificate directly to the person that day. If the person is planning to show up to your home, you can have the certificate mailed to you and print it out as the gift. To plan ahead, have generic gifts available in case someone shows up unplanned. A couple of bottles of wine already in a gift bag, or gift baskets (containing chocolate, cheese, coffee, etc) available in many stores are nice to have around just in case. Make sure these are items you can enjoy after the holidays, if they are not needed.

PROBLEM - IRRITATING RELATIVE

What if the holiday season means you have to spend time with a relative that "rubs you the wrong way".

WHAT DO YOU DO?

First, take 5 slow, deep breaths. If that special person irks you by always talking about one special subject (like politics or religion), plan ahead and think of other safer subjects that you can bring up. If possible, limit your time around that person. Find another person in another room to talk to, help out in the kitchen, or even tell the hostess ahead of time that you need to leave early.

PROBLEM - WAITING IN LONG LINES

What if you're in a hurry and need to pick up one more gift? Or the grocery store is packed and you somehow picked the slowest cashier?

WHAT DO YOU DO?

If you are stuck in this situation, realize that there is no way out and take 5 slow, deep breaths. The best situation is to prevent the situation as much as possible. Most shopping can be done online to prevent standing in any lines. Most malls are the busiest after work and on the weekends. If you have to go to a mall and can do it at lunchtime during the week, it is best to try that. Make careful lists of what to purchase for each person and grocery lists, so you can keep shopping trips to a minimum. When you have to shop, allow extra time to allow for the lines and so you don't get frazzled in the first place.

PROBLEM - AIRLINE DELAY OR HEAVY TRAFFIC

What if your airline is delayed or get stuck in heavy traffic? Both of these possibilities are common during the busy holiday season.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Be prepared for these possible delays. Keep a book, magazine, or ipod with you just in case. Always keep healthy snacks (ones you enjoy) with you so you will be more comfortable during your delay. If you are traveling with children, make sure you have toys or activities that will keep them occupied also.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• No matter what happens try to keep your cool. Take a deep breath if anything troublesome occurs.
• Concentrate on enjoying friends and family, over the "have to's" and the "things".
• Plan ahead and expect things to not go smoothly during this busy season. Plan for the worse and hope for the best!
• This holiday season, especially with out current economic situation, could be very stressful. If you need help with any stressors in your life, ask friends, family or a professional.