All I want for Christmas is…to be STRESS FREE!!!
It is September and Christmas decorations fill the department store shelves. Children far and wide have started their lists for Santa, mainly because parents have been reminding them that “Santa is watching” for the last few months. If the thought of these things make you break out in a sweat, you are not alone. For many Americans the “holiday” season can be one of the most stressful times of the year. In fact, a 2008 poll by the American Psychological Association found that 8 out of 10 Americans anticipate stress during the holidays.
Why are the holidays so stressful? The holidays present a wide array of demands: office parties, purchasing gifts, baking, cleaning, and entertaining. For many, the biggest source of holiday stress is the obligations associated with family and family traditions. Having such high expectations and experiencing guilt at not meeting them, contributes to the stress and pressure of the holidays.
With the holidays right around the corner, here are some ways to cope with stress and have a pleasant holiday season.