How to Beat Christmas Stress

Christmas is a time to rejoice with friends, spend time with family, and unwind from everyday life – so yet it has become one of the most stressful times of the year. Get back to the Christmas spirit with these simple tips for managing holiday stress.

Budget Wisely: The biggest stress of Christmas is, for most of us, financial. If the debts of Christmas plague you the rest of the year, it’s time to take a hard look at your Christmas celebration. Decide what’s important about these special days – and what’s not – and budget accordingly.

The biggest expense for most people is Christmas gifts. Gifts become a hassle and a stress when buying for large groups, and especially when trying to come up with this season’s must have techno-toy. Reduce the costs of gifts in your group by setting rules, like only giving gifts to the children, having each person buy for one other, or setting a limit on costs.

Setting up a budget before the date is another good way to ensure financial worries won’t turn you into a Grinch. As early as you can, work out your expected Christmas costs (gifts, food bills, special events, even long-distance telephone charges). Calculate your disposable income between now and December 25th, and dedicate a certain amount each week to your Christmas fund. Even small amounts set aside will add up big by the time Christmas rolls around. If this fund won’t be enough to cover Christmas costs, it may be time to reassess how much you’re spending.

Do Some Good: Research has shown that when you want to feel good, you should do something good. Help out the less fortunate – volunteer at a soup kitchen or give to a charity – and you’ll feel more in-tune with the spirit of Christmas. This is a great activity to do with kids.

Make it a Family Affair: Most Christmas celebrations include family and friends galore, so why is it that most of the cooking and cleaning is done by one person? By delegating tasks early on, you will ensure that no one is left grumbling under an unfair workload. Get kids involved with small responsibilities of their own – making the stuffing or setting the table – and they’ll feel like an important part of the feast.

Get Away! If you’re not stuck at home, why not try a merry Christmas abroad? Sun-worshippers can travel to Australia for a Christmas BBQ on Bondi Beach (Bronte Beach is where the locals go), but those looking for a winter wonderland should consider the Canadian Rockies. Spend days dog sledding, sleigh riding, and ice skating in snowy mountain towns lit by twinkling stars. Particularly memorable are Fresh Tracks Rocky Mountaineer Christmas train vacations combining scenic trains, the best winter activities, and accommodation as deluxe as you like it.

Relax with these suggestions for a stress-free Christmas and make this a holiday to remember.