Help for Holiday Stress: Part Two

Welcome back!

Ready for Part Two of Managing Holiday Stress? Here you go!

Nurture yourself.

Schedule some time each day to relax, even if its just a few moments to read or have a quiet cup of tea. You will be better able to respond to your loved one’s needs while enjoying the holiday experience by taking time to refill your own well.

Open the lines of communication with your partner.

This time will flow more smoothly if you and your partner are on the same page, particularly if your family is newly blended, or adjusting to life with a new baby. Communicate and take each other’s feelings into consideration. Incorporating at least a bit of what each of you want during this holiday season can help everyone feel satisfied.

Be creative with decorating options.

If you have a baby at the crawling and exploring stage, it may be wise to forgo traditional decorations that are easily damaged, or that might prove unsafe for your little one. One year, I put our Christmas tree and all our presents inside my baby’s playpen, instead of her. It looked rather silly, but was a truly workable solution.

Simplify your shopping.

Shopping is one of the biggest chores of the holiday season, and new parents often don’t have the time to carry out their traditional shopping routines. I prefer to simplify gift lists, shop locally and online. Online shopping is also tremendously convenient, but I always check locally first! This eliminates unnecessary driving and ensures our holiday shopping dollars support our local economy. Small, local merchants typically provide wonderfully personalized attention and will often go out of their way to help you find the perfect gifts.

Scale down your hosting duties.

If you are hosting a family gathering, consider asking each family member to bring a dish, and then simply buy a ham or turkey to complement those dishes. Some new parents even choose to host a desert bash instead of a full meal to continue the family gathering tradition with less work. Choose whatever works best for you and remember to ask for help with cleaning up!

Did you catch Part One of Help for Managing Holiday Stress? Be sure to check it out, and let me know YOUR favorite holiday stress management tips by commenting on this post!

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