Ways to Deal With The Stress of Family Christmas

Some people (my family and I included!) don’t enjoy the weeks leading up to Christmas, while some people really like the lead-up. It makes me think upset from the time it starts and I don’t have the warm glow of Christmas, even though the decorations are pretty and the stores are all busy.

The movie-like Christmas gathering is unattainable, and the pressure to have the ideal family time, the perfect gift wrap, and the perfect friends and family is too much.

We can begin to feel separated from Christmas when the media forces us to constantly teeth and laugh, and not ever be sad or snap. Here are some ideas to make the Christmas lead-up more pleasurable this year:

1. Make ready everyone for what is to come:

In order to minimize your stress, you should prep the children by informing them they may not get everything they want. You should also prepare relatives who expect to see you if you don’t want to see them.

2. Prepare your children’s feelings:

The feelings of excitement and dread are very comparable. Allow your children to have a little control over Christmas in order to help them with their anxiety. Let them help with the food menu, the timetable, and anything else that is feasible. You will feel less nervous if you are helping to minimize their anxiety.

3. Ignore Christmas TV shows, movies, and ads:

Don’t trouble making an effort to have an ideal Hollywood Christmas because it isn’t possible. Instead, watch movies that keep a good point of view on Christmas such as Elf or other comedies.

4. Imagine Christmas day at the moment:

Consider what works for your child and imagine the Christmas day that would be best for them. Are there any family members your children don’t want to see and do you need to tell any family members that? Ask them about the times that you will have to visit with loved ones. Take control now and be prepared to compromise so that you aren’t shocked later on. No one needs to know, and you don’t have to make an excuse, but if your child has an emotional meltdown, you may need backup planning.

5. Make homemade gifts:

You can make lots of things. Make it instead of purchasing it. Enjoy the process and the result of the gift, and keep in mind that personal things don’t need to cost a ton, just stay your hands and mind busy.