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Halloween has passed and we are well into November and it’s time to start thinking about the Holidays. For many people, holiday stress can be a real big issue. The holidays have become commercialized and that leaves us feeling stressed out and maxed out in regards to both time and money. That’s really when we need to look around and open our eyes to see all of the wonderful things to be grateful for!
Tough Times
I’ve just had my third baby and had made the decision not to go back to work after my second so the last few months have been a penny-pinching economics class to put it lightly. Right before the baby was born in October so much seemed to be going wrong. Our rental property needed a new washer and dryer, we had a mouse problem which we couldn’t get control of, and it seemed that the baby was set on coming a little earlier than expected so we weren’t quite prepared.
If you’ve ever been pregnant you know that your hormones at different times get the best of you. One morning at 6:45 AM they definitely got the best of me and I was completely overwhelmed and couldn’t reign it in. It wasn’t until later on that day when I picked up my son from an early dismissal and took him and two of his friends to Burger King where they have the ultimate indoor playground that I realized how lucky I was. Watching those little boys giggle, yell, and play tag made me realize that this is what life is all about.
View The World Through A Child’s Eyes
It’s not about stuff, or money, or bills. Yes, I am realistic and those things are real and do haunt us monthly but we do our best to make it through it. Trying to view the world through a child’s eyes makes things a lot lighter and easier to manage. There are people in this world who’ve lost children or someone very close to them and they still have a wonderful outlook on life. If they can do it, we can too.
Holiday Stress Relief Ideas
So, if this holiday season you are feeling bogged down and stressed with shopping and holiday obligations, just take some time to do things that gave you the holiday spirit when you were a kid. Find a way to get some holiday stress relief. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Go see a light show
Bake some cookies
Find a fabulous train display
Go and sit on Santa’s lap
Decorate your house
Holiday Stress Relief Through Charity
Finding meaning and gratitude during the holidays is another great way to find stress relief. My husband and I support a wonderful charity year round. However, during Christmas, we adopt a family or two that have been plagued with childhood cancer. Instead of buying presents for one another we purchase presents for the children through this charity.
Soup kitchens or volunteering at your local hospital are also great places to give back. Supporting a charity during the holidays can really help open your eyes to what a wonderful life you truly have. It helps you recognize what you have to be grateful for. So, find a place that will allow you to give a little of yourself to someone in need. You will find that you have received a world of gratitude in return!
If you have more great ideas and tips on how you accomplish holiday stress relief, please share them in the comments below! You can also check out our other blog articles here for more great tips!