Do you overplan the holidays? You might be missing the point
Reducing Holiday Stress and Increasing Gratitude #
The holiday season can be overwhelming with gift-giving, decorating, hosting, and maintaining traditions. While these activities can bring joy, overplanning can lead to more stress than happiness.
Holidays come with many expectations. People may drop by unexpectedly, invitations to events pile up, and children have their own needs. It’s easy to get caught up in doing too much, overcommitting, and overspending, which can lead to resentment throughout the season.
To avoid the cycle of overplanning and stretching yourself thin, consider these five ways to reduce holiday stress and increase gratitude:
Choose Important Traditions #
Holidays are steeped in tradition, but these can bring pressure. Consider which traditions you want to keep and which ones can be dropped. Sometimes tough decisions must be made due to limited time, energy, and money.
Drop the Need for Perfection #
High expectations for holiday events often lead to disappointment. Instead of striving for perfection, decide what matters most during the season, such as connecting with family or relaxing alone. Focus on these goals rather than achieving perfection.
Ask Others to Participate #
Find out what’s important to family members about the holiday season. Don’t feel you have to do everything alone. Letting others help when you’re overwhelmed can reduce stress and increase the holiday spirit.
Schedule Discretionary Time #
Resist the urge to overplan. Allow for time with no obligations or responsibilities. Embrace the joy of missing out (JOMO) and honor discretionary time.
Replace Criticism with Gratitude #
If you find yourself in a self-critical mindset, practice gratitude. Make a list of things you’re grateful for or reflect on the good things around you. Regular gratitude practice can shift your thought patterns, leading to more optimism and positivity.
The more one practices gratitude, the more it can change habits of thought, leading to contentment in ordinary moments and better ability to handle life’s challenges.