The holiday season is a time of celebration, but it can also be a source of stress for many people… With all the preparations for meals, decorations and gifts, we often end up with a very busy schedule. We then come back from the holiday season out of breath. It is important to know how to set limits during the holiday season and, above all, to respect them. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
Tip #1: Make a list of priorities
We often have the illusion of the perfect Christmas because of the ads, the images we see on social media or in movies. Our expectations towards the celebrations, towards the gifts offered, as well as towards certain traditions that we want to recreate become important. However, we must be aware that with limited time and resources, we cannot necessarily do everything.
On an individual basis, it is therefore appropriate to ask ourselves a few questions, particularly to determine which traditions are the most important to us. This way, we can make a list of priorities and then put aside certain activities or traditions that seem superfluous to us, or that are too important sources of stress. Did you used to entertain relatives on New Year’s Day, but don’t feel up to it this year? Don’t be afraid to mention it to your loved ones. You will surely find an alternative way to celebrate with them!
Tip #2: Plan some time or days off
The holiday season is also a vacation season! You need to give yourself some rest and time for yourself to unwind. It’s not with a very busy schedule, a meal with family or friends every night and 5-6 gift exchanges that we will succeed… So, when we plan our holiday schedule, we must block out days to take a break. These days can also allow us to engage in activities that are important to us and that are good for morale. For example, we can take the time to go skating with the kids, go for a walk in the woods, watch a movie with our favorite blanket, etc. These “co-cooning” moments are important to find a balance.
Tip #3: Accept that you can’t please everyone
With all the extended family and friends, that’s a lot of people to see during the holidays. You have to accept beforehand that by imposing your limits, you risk disappointing one or two people… In order not to feel obliged or caught off guard when the time comes to refuse an invitation, it may be a good idea to plan a response.
Tip #4: Focus on the people that make you feel good
As mentioned earlier, family gatherings can also be a great source of stress. Sometimes we fear inappropriate questions from one person, comments about our lifestyle from another, etc. When interactions with a particular family member cause apprehension, we can simply try to limit them. Instead, we give our attention and energy to other family members, who bring us comfort and positivity.
Alternatively, if extended family gatherings are too stressful, you can really limit the number of them during the holiday season. Why not plan smaller events or focus on activities with friends?
Tip #5: Avoid comparing yourself
There will always be richer and better-dressed people, families with children who are calmer than ours, etc. We must therefore avoid comparing ourselves to other people who seem “perfect” in our eyes. Remember that perfection does not exist and that the image we have of others is often far from reality…
Here are some tips that everyone can apply during the holiday season, in their own way. Remember to listen to yourself first so that you can set and enforce your own boundaries. Choose yourself and your well-being over others!
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
