HOLIDAY STRESS BUSTERS

WRITER: KIM MALAKOWSKY | PHOTO BY: KIM MALAKOWSKY

While singer Andy Williams croons, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” there’s no denying that a bit of anxiety often sneaks into all the holiday festivities. How do you keep your cool and remember the most important thing of all is to enjoy the season?

Simple Does It

Your “signature” is the key to simplifying. In place of searching for the perfect gift for the neighbors, hair stylist, and babysitter among others, spend an afternoon making your “signature” fudge packaged in simple but stylish containers. Thoughtful and an expression of yourself, it’s the perfect gift.

Take this idea to your holiday party or your holiday décor. A party too can have a “signature.” Your delectable holiday eggnog or mulled cider replaces an array of wines, sodas and juices. There’s less shopping to be done and no need to have a variety when guests look forward to your specialty each year.

While decorating consider keeping to one color. Monochromatic means everything mixes and blends seamlessly. Use varying shades and tints of a single hue. Blues, for instance, can range from a deep midnight color to a silvery cool frost. Pairing these brings both calmness (one color) and interest (contrast) making decorating quick and easy.

Adopt New Traditions

You love the way mom faithfully rose at 6 a.m. to prepare the turkey, wrap the last-minute presents and finish trimming the tree. But, when the alarm rings, that idea of “being mom” is less than appealing.

Try something new. It could be the beginning of a tradition your family will continue for years to come. Making new memories is fun when it means snuggling up with your kids, reading “The Night Before Christmas” before tucking them into bed or making homemade gifts to share with a less fortunate family. Or consider borrowing a favorite tradition from another culture. The key to family traditions is to do them every year and make them special, something you save for only the holidays.

Sweet Dreams

As schedules get hectic it becomes essential to get plenty of sleep. Even little ones feel the pressure of the holidays, with programs to prepare for and parties to attend. Excitement can turn to anxiety and lack of sleep will make little Sammy less that happy. Remember to tuck the kids into bed early. This will ensure they get a good night’s rest and allow you time to finish last-minute tasks and still drift off to sleep at a normal time.

Try to tackle active tasks early in the day and save more soothing or repetitive tasks like addressing Christmas cards to evening.

Stick to your budget

Don’t let the thought of January credit card bills dampen your spirit. In place of costly gifts, give your loved ones an experience. A pair of tickets to the local theatre tucked into an oldfashioned popcorn bowl for the movie buff in your family or a colorful sled for the kids, complete with a promise to take them sledding, won’t break the bank and will say you care.

Fancy holiday foods can take a back seat to homemade treats and make the party warm and friendly. Replace an expensive cheese platter with little cups of warm cheddar cheese soup topped with homemade croutons. Think presentation to make the impression and comfort to please the palette.

Travel with Flexibility

Extended car rides, crowded airports or other modes of transportation can all add undue stress. The key is staying flexible. Adding a much-needed stop during a long car ride will let the kids burn off some pent-up energy. Airport delays are best dealt with by being prepared:―bring a book for yourself, a game for the kids and always have snacks and bottles of water. Pack a light bag with toothbrushes and t-shirts for the whole family and if the unfortunate flight cancellation happens, treat it as an adventure! Remember, the kids will take a cue from you.

Joy and Gratitude

Bring joy into your activities during the busy season. Listen to Bing Crosby sing Christmas songs while wrapping presents, let holiday baking become a mother-daughter activity, take a friend shopping and share the fun and a cup of tea. Change tasks into opportunities for spending time with others and before you know it the tasks will be complete and the smile on your face will show the joy.

Be mindful of the blessings in your life and carry the spirit of gratitude with you. Be thankful for time with family, for the gift of friendship, and for warm homes and safe shelter. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year.

[AWM]