Trim Stress This Holiday Season

Here in Woods County, budgets and schedules may be stretched this holiday season, but there are still ways to enjoy the holidays with reduced stress.
“Holidays are a time for family getting together, decorating, shopping, gift wrapping, baking and attending special activities,” said Debbie Richardson, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service parenting assistant specialist.  “With all these extra activities added stress is possible.  To help relieve some stress try to get the entire family involved in undertaking holiday chores and activities.”
The following ideas can help your family work together to reduce holiday stress:
-          Sit down and develop a list of the things that need to be done during the holidays, such as shopping, card signing, cleaning, etc. Delegate family members or let them volunteer to help get these tasks completed.
-          Make up a December calendar. Include dates and times of all activities to attend, and a schedule of when tasks such as cleaning, baking and shopping need to be done.
-          Take a look at your family’s holiday activities.  Evaluate what you do each year.  Decide if you really enjoy these activities.  If you are doing things that are not joyful, consider not doing the activity any longer or do it in a different way.
-          Plan easy meals.  Double your batch of favorite casseroles and put in the freezer for a quick meal on a busy day.
-          Take a few minutes each day for yourself and do something relaxing.
-          Keep routines such as sleeping and eating as close to normal as possible to prevent children from becoming overtired or cranky.
-          Expect young children to misbehave occasionally. Remember they have short attention spans and tire easily.
Richardson said it also is important to make time for family fun and many activities can be low cost.
Baking cookies, trimming the tree, caroling or taking a drive to see the local light displays are fun activities the entire family can enjoy.
During this busy month, try to set aside some time to do some special activities with your child.
“Involving your child in preparing for festivities makes them feel more important and can also provide them an excellent chance for one-on-one time and special memories,” she said.
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.