If you are looking forward to the Holidays but dread the stress that comes with them, here a list of 10 tips for stress-free holidays. Go over them daily and apply at least one a day. You will not only have wonderful holidays, but you will also avoid the post-holiday blues that most often happen as a reaction to holiday-induced stress. 1. Go over last year’s holidays and write down 3 things, incidents, or issues around holidays that stressed you out—that’s your lesson not to repeat them or avoid them this year. 2. Write down 3 things you want to enjoy these holidays that involve your family, your relatives, and yourself. No more than 3, please. Keeping it to 3 items, keeps your expectations realistic. Some examples: I want to go skiing with my husband and children and not cook for 28 people. I want to spend Christmas’ Eve at church with my family and not at my cousin’s house. I want to spend only one day on Christmas shopping, instead of four weekends in a row. 3. Write these wishes on a piece of paper and put in on a visible spot. It will be your reminder of what you truly need from these holidays. 4. Under each one of your 3 wishes, write in detail what you must do to make them true. For example: “I want to spend only one day on Christmas shopping.” List what you absolutely need to buy in stores. List what you can buy online. Calculate the time you need. Consider purchasing gift certificates if buying gifts stresses you out. 5. Engage family members in helping you out. Assign specific chores and promise them a reward. 6. Keep your expectations realistic and stay focused on what’s important. Read often items 1, 2, and 3 of this list, to remind yourself of your promises. 7. Say ‘no’ to guilt-driven behaviors. They are the ultimate cause of stress during holidays. For example, if you can’t be around X relative opening gifts under the Christmas tree, be honest to yourself and spend as little time as possible around that person. 8. Watch “Family Man” and “It’s A Wonderful Life” in bed with your family instead of running around, if you are all tired. 9. Spend quiet time and pray. 10. Remember, this too, shall pass. So, make sure to create only good, stress-free memories. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maria Grace, Ph.D., is an expert at teaching people how to learn lessons from popular movies to find the job, home, relationship, and healthy body and mind they want. She is a Fulbright scholar, licensed psychotherapist, sought-after public speaker and coach, and the author of “Reel Fulfillment: A 12-Step Plan for Transforming Your Life through Movies” (McGraw-Hill, 2005). “Reel Fulfillment” was praised by Publisher’s Weekly as one of the top “self help books out of the self-help box” for 2005-2006. For more information visit http://www.mariagrace.com and http://www.reelfulfillment.com
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