Thank you to Ashley Trotter, MA, LPCA at Family Connections Counseling, for this post! Christmas and the holiday season can be a very tough time. How can we protect mental health not only for ourselves, but for our families? While this time can be beautiful for some, it can be difficult for everyone.  Aim to be a joyful holiday family this season!

As the holidays approach, it’s important to recognize that although this can be a fun time of celebration, it can also bring about increased emotional stress for you and your family.  

Here are 5 tips that can reduce stress and make your holidays more joyful:

1. Examine Expectations

Take a step back and examine your beliefs about what this holiday means for you and your family.  What’s most important to you; what’s realistic? Is it really about the perfect gift, perfect dinner or decorations? Being mindful of our expectations can help us let go of perfectionist ideas and judgments that center around the holidays. It can help us focus on the traditions that are most important to us, and allow us to make this season more meaningful and less stressful.

2. Plan Ahead.

Discuss expectations with family regarding travel/schedules, gifts, food preparation and other holiday expectations. Planning can help avoid overscheduling and create better balance in family expectations and responsibilities. Before shopping, plan and discuss finances ahead of time. When you are mindful of your budget, you can decrease financial stress that often comes from over-shopping during the holidays.

3. Don’t Overcommit your family.

Say yes to the activities and gatherings that are most meaningful and realistic for you and your family. That may mean rethinking longstanding expectations or traditions with family or friends. Being mindful of scheduling during the holidays is especially important when you have young children.  Overscheduling can mean overstimulated children and exhausted parents. 

4. Use Self-Care.

Recognizing the importance of balance and finding time to take breaks during the holiday season can prevent feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Being mindful of our sleep, exercise and diet can help manage stress and allow us to enjoy this time. Look for ways to use good self-care: take an exercise class, sip a hot drink in front of the Christmas tree, meet a friend for lunch or read a book. Try to get outside and take time to appreciate and practice gratitude.  And take a true vacation day or two – with no particular reason – before the in-laws arrive and your schedule becomes even busier!  

5. Be Mindful of Mental Health. 

The holiday season can be especially difficult for those facing mental health disorders, loneliness, loss, divorce alienation and separation.  There is an increase in reports of depression and other mental health symptoms during this time, which can make the holidays more challenging. Be mindful of your needs during this time, lean on social support, check in with your therapist if needed to process and plan for the upcoming season. Don’t judge yourself, be gentle, practice gratitude and focus on what the holidays really mean to you. Volunteer and be open to new ideas that bring joy to your life.  You can be a truly joyful holiday family this season!

Learn more about Ashley Trotter and Family Connections Counseling at:

www.familyconnectionscounseling.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyConnectionsLLC/

5022 Wrightsville Avenue, Unit B
Wilmington, NC 28403
P: 336.675.8287
F: 910-833-8379