Holiday Survival Guide

The holiday season is often a time of joy and excitement! Children and adults alike eagerly await quality time with loved ones and the arrival of cooler weather.

However, this time of year can also be stressful and emotionally demanding. There is much to do, finances can be tight, and beloved family members can begin to grate on our nerves. Further, holidays can remind us of those we have lost and evoke feelings of grief and sadness. Due to the additional stressors, it is crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard our psychological well-being as we approach this festive season.

Here are some tips to help set you and your family up for success this year:

• Plan Ahead: Anticipate stressful moments and do what you can to prepare for them. Outline your grocery lists, tidy up the guest room, plan conversation topics to steer toward when politics inevitably arise, and schedule your travel as soon as possible. Planning ahead can reduce the number of stressors you face. 

• Be Flexible: As important as planning is, we can't plan for EVERYTHING, so practice being flexible too! If you burn the pie, that's okay — have the kids help you make cookies instead. Perfection is not the goal of the season; the memories we create are what truly matter. 

• Engage in Self-Care: Everyone has their own version of self-care. Regardless of what that looks like, taking time for yourself is crucial. Practices such as enjoying the outdoors, exercising, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and listening to music can be excellent ways to prevent becoming overwhelmed. Often, these activities fall to the wayside when a lot is happening. Try to prioritize them to avoid becoming spread too thin. 

• Tune Into Your Feelings: When you start to feel stressed, sad, or overwhelmed, acknowledge how you're feeling and give yourself permission to take a break from activities and practice some of the self-care ideas above. The sooner we recognize our emotions and address our needs, the sooner we can get back out there and continue to join in the fun!

• Practice Gratitude: It's called Thanksgiving for a reason! Take stock of what you're grateful for this year. Reflecting on people and experiences that enrich our lives helps shift our focus to positive aspects and improves mental health. 

• Communicate Effectively: Be kind. Be clear. Be direct. Don't expect Aunt Sally to read your mind and bring her famous pecan pie without your asking, or for your 7-year-old to remember to pick up their room without prompting. We're all doing our best and have a lot on our plates. If you need something from someone, ask them for it (nicely, of course). Which leads into my last point... 

• Ask for Help: You are not alone. Reach out to others when you need assistance. We're all in this together, and the more we can support one another, the more rewarding the season becomes. 

Let's face it: the holidays can be joyous, but they can also be challenging. Add these suggestions to your toolkit as you enter this busy and fun time of year to help keep the good times rolling!