The Kerr House
Stress management techniques are put to the ultimate test during the holiday season. It’s all in your attitude. You can succumb to the stress and pressure of the season, or you can enjoy it all, you make the decision.

Remember, the holiday customs were started to enhance this beautiful season. The feasts were prepared with loving hands in anticipation of sharing food and time with loved ones. Get-togethers were planned to share the festivities. Cards and letters were written to those who were not able to be present in order to reach out and wish them good cheer for the season. I envision the writer reviewing fond memories with each card or letter.

In order to enjoy this wonderful season to the fullest, I suggest that you take some time now and make four lists.

1) List all the things you want to do before and during the holiday season. Then consider your time, energy and family and decide what you can accomplish comfortably. Make time for you – schedule that in. Start cropping until it begins to feel like fun. When you begin to feel enthusiastic about what is left on the list, put the things in order of importance to you and forgive yourself in advance for only doing those things that you have time for.

2) List the gifts you want to give. Release obligation and practicality and unleash creativity and ingenuity. Let gift giving become fun. Many children receive so many material things that they hardly appreciate them. Now is the time to change that. Put some meaning rather than volume into their gifts. You’ll be doing them a favor. Children come in all ages you know. Remember that gifts of time with you may be greatly appreciated. A coupon for dinner, to wash someone’s car, personal taxi service to an elderly friend is a great gift. A trip is really special. It can be a day trip or several days, and it is an opportunity to experience things together.

3) List what you will spend – on entertaining, on gifts, on decorating, and accept the challenge of staying in those boundaries. Avoid the January bills and blues. Make it pleasurable.

4) List you expectations for the season. What do you expect from people, from events. Sometimes our expectations are so high that they can’t possibly be met. We are looking too far beyond our happy lives for that perfect Norman Rockwell Christmas or Hanukkah, and meanwhile we forget to see the joy and beauty in the realistic celebration that surrounds us.

You have choices in all things, to be harried and hassled or calm and serene. Maybe slowing down won’t win you the Holiday Marathon, but I’ll bet you will be a lot more pleasant to be around. You may even hum to the music.