Holiday season has officially arrived. While Thanksgiving and Christmas are considered the most wonderful times of the year, they can also be stressful. Family can be overwhelming, gift shopping can break the bank, and the mental preparation of it all is even more draining. To top it off, it’s election season and we are still battling COVID-19. This is definitely an unprecedented holiday season. Here are a few tips to keep your stress levels down this year.
Shop online
We should be avoiding crowds because of COVID. Thankfully, we live in a digital world. Avoid the large crowds and having to comb through racks and messy stores for Christmas gifts for your loved ones by logging into Amazon instead. Most people have Prime accounts or know someone who does. The same can be done for food shopping for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Order your groceries and supplies online and set up free delivery.
Don't go shopping at all
Listen, we are grown. Though I am a lover of both giving and receiving gifts, I honestly don’t feel like going broke this year, or dealing with trying to come up with the “perfect” gifts for my loved ones. I’m strongly considering giving everyone a hug and a smile this year. It’s not about gifts anyways, it’s about spending time with one another.
Don’t go to functions you don’t want to attend
I am a firm believer in not doing things that I don’t care to do, including attending family events. Life is short, and I don’t want to waste precious time that I’ll never get back by forcing myself to attend a function that I never wanted to go to in the first place. I can’t even act at this point. I’d rather stay at home, watch some holiday flicks on Netflix or Hallmark and sip some hot cocoa. Oh, the joy it brings me. I suggest you do the same.
Don’t host a holiday at your home, let someone else do the work
I’ve hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas at my house for the past four years. While I enjoy doing so, I have to admit that it’s a hassle. The shopping, prepping days ahead, and having to do all of the work takes away the enjoyment of being in the moment during the holiday season. You’re so focused on ensuring everyone else has a good time that you miss special moments for yourself. If someone else volunteers to host a holiday, let them. Granted, it may not be as fabulous as your event, but it’ll be tolerable.
Drink wine
The beauty of adulthood is alcohol and for the holiday season, I intend on drinking and being merry. Grab your largest wine glass and fill it up. Sit under the tree and listen to a classic Christmas playlist. Take the moment in, because Thanksgiving and Christmas are each only one day per year.
