Holiday Stress Prevention Tips

Posted: December 1, 2024

The holidays are right around the corner! As Christians, this is a time set aside for us to remember the birth of Jesus and celebrate the gift of salvation He offers. This can be a time filled with joy, festivities, and connection with cherished family and friends.

However, the holidays can also be a particularly stressful time.

Extra gatherings and invites that weigh down our already busy schedules . . .

The added tasks that come with this time of year, such as decorating or baking those special holiday treats . . .

Navigating gift-giving for family, friends, co-workers, school teachers, pastors, and the list goes on . . .

An interruption to a routine that works well for us, potentially leading to an unhealthy diet, loss of sleep, or lack of exercise . . .

Increased stress or irritability of those around you, whether at work, at home, on the road, at the grocery store, or at the mall . . .

The long list of holiday expectations and demands competes with what we know to be the real "reason for the season." Try as we might to maintain our focus there, it is a challenge to not be overcome by the increased stress that the holidays can bring.

If this resonates, pick a few of these tips to incorporate into your holiday season.

Be Intentional

It is easy to get carried away by the waves of pressure, expectations, and hurry of the holidays. To prevent this, begin the holiday season with intentionality. Decide ahead of time how much you will do (or not do). Plan who you will give gifts to, and stick to that plan. Be strategic in how you will approach the season, and then discuss your wishes with family and loved ones so that everyone is on the same page. Consider all the ways that Jesus practiced boundaries--He took naps, He left towns before everyone was healed, He took time away from the crowds to pray and rest, to name just a few. Let His example inspire you. Dedicate this holiday season to Him, and spend time listening to what He might want you to do.

Be Kind to Others

Many of the people you will come in contact with will be experiencing holiday stress. Some will be especially sad or lonely due to losses that the holidays tend to magnify. Others will be irritable or angry. Your intentionality and healthy boundaries will give you more bandwidth as you interact with others. Since you can’t know what is in the hearts and minds of others, and you can’t control the actions of others, focus on controlling your own with a determination to show kindness. You’ll be surprised how you can completely touch another’s heart and change their attitude with just a smile or thoughtful act--especially at this time of year.

Be Kind to Yourself

Often, when we feel stressed or are trying to juggle increased pressures and activities, our healthy habits and routines can go right out the window. Healthy eating is replaced with holiday cake, cookies and pie. We may be tempted to drink too much alcohol. Our sleep patterns could take a hit. All of these things can exacerbate holiday stress. Practice intentionality by being judicious with your indulgences. Budget for interruptions to your healthy routines, and have a plan to get back on track quickly. Treat yourself well by prioritizing your healthy habits during this time. When the holidays fade into the background, you will be so glad you did!

Speak with Someone

If you are having a hard time dealing with stress, it’s a good idea to talk with someone. This could be a friend, family member, pastor, or therapist. Often, just having someone else hear us and validate our feelings can help relieve stress.

If you’d like to speak to someone, please reach out to Covenant Counseling Center. We would love to help you de-stress so that you can maintain focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

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