How to Reduce Holiday Stress and Feel More Joyful

In normal times it is not uncommon for people’s stress levels to surge during the holiday season. Factor in COVID-19 and the struggles and emotions associated with the health crisis, limited interaction with family and friends, job loss and travel restrictions and you have a recipe for a difficult season. How can you keep your spirits up this season and reduce your holiday stress? Here are a few tips to make this season feel as normal as possible.

Less Holiday Stress, More Joy

Set Boundaries

Don’t allow others to make you feel guilty if you stay close to home or don’t invite the usual number of family members over this year. Let everyone know early about your plans. If you choose to opt-out of the family Christmas exchange, give everyone enough time to make other arrangements. It’s not necessary to go into detail. Simply say, “We are scaling back this year. Count us out for the White Elephant Gift Exchange this year.”

Don’t Skip Your Holiday Routines

If you generally buy a tree and decorate it with your kids, there is no reason to miss the time-honored tradition. Just because you may not be entertaining this year, your immediate family deserves the same attention to special details. Pull out the boxes of glittery gingerbread men, and revel over the multitude of ornaments you have collected throughout the years. Put a pot of cider on the stove or make a mug of peppermint cocoa and enjoy the moment.

Make Your Meals Feel Special

The holiday meal is not the only one that can feel special this year. Sift through your family’s favorite recipes and make it a point to cook and bake them in December. If you have a neighbor who you know would appreciate your famous fudge or sugar cookie recipe, bake a batch and attach a recipe to the box. Ask them in advance if they would like a dozen of your confections, or simply the recipe to enjoy another time.

Wrap Your Gifts With Love

Many are rethinking their gift-giving habits this year. A recent study found that more than half of Americans (54%) will lower their gift buying by an average of 38%. One in three says their budget hasn’t changed and 14% plan to increase their gifting budget (by 42%). A whopping 95% plan to do most of their shopping online.

For those who are making drop off deliveries and exchanging presents around the tree, make the ceremony extra special by wrapping your gifts with care. Part of the season’s fun is getting creative and letting people know you are thinking of them with small details. A peppermint candy cane wrapped around the bow, a special ornament used as a gift tag or a handwritten card are all welcome additions.

Don’t Compare Your Situation to Others

When you find yourself longing for the life you see on the Hallmark Channel, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. The same goes for what you see on social media. No one has a perfect life and even those without major struggles have challenges. Make it your quest to create your own calm in the holiday storm. I have a particular routine that serves me.

When I wake up I light my tree and put on my fireplace with my electric logs (because I live in Texas and cold temps are a luxury). I have my first cup of coffee and plan my day. I leave my tree on throughout the day while I work on my computer and Zoom with my clients. When I’m not working, I light a softly scented seasonal candle and spend time planning holiday moments that make my family and myself happy. A simple game of UNO, a favorite warm drink, a fun pair of pj’s that have Rudolph on them, a freshly baked cinnamon crisp and watching our favorite movies are all things that bring comfort and joy. It may not be your thing – it’s up to you to find your joy in simple things.

Share Your Joy

Send a neighbor a bag of groceries with the fixings for a special soup. Or a store-bought casserole from your local deli. Carol at the window of an elderly neighbor without them having to open their door. Write a note to someone who needs a lift of spirit. In one way or another, we have all been touched by this insidious pandemic. Some worse than others. But keeping the light on in your heart and spreading joy is a challenge that will bring a level of happiness to those who need it most. Including yourself.

Sharing some tips on reducing holiday stress and creating joy on Fox7 Monday Manners with Dave Froehlich—you can watch the full video below:

You may also like The Great Pecan Pronunciation Debate. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.