3 Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress

Like it or not, the Holidays are upon us. Jack-o-Lanterns may still be on the porches, but Christmas will be here before we know it. Here are 3 practical tips to reduce Holiday stress and find Joy as the Countdown to Christmas continues.

It is easy to get wrapped up in the craziness of the season. Everyday concerns like work and family can add to stress. The To-Do List grows with gifts to purchase , cards to mail, cleaning baking and one more party to attend. The internet is full of excellent tips for holiday survival. While these ideas are great, we want to share with you 3 tips to reduce holiday stress. They are simple and practical and fit every time and monetary budget.

Tip #1: Discuss and Agree On a To-Do List

Work together to create a To-Do List and discuss each item. Listen to your spouse. Be honest. Share why your “To-Do” is important, but don’t let Christmas become an unending project. We find it helpful to create a general idea of what we most desire for the Holidays. Set boundaries around your needs, your time and finances. (See our post Holiday Traditions.) You cannot control your crazy Uncle, or an epic snow storm. But planning ahead puts you in the driver’s seat.

Tip#2: Create Holiday Memories Together

Resentments build when you judge your spouse simply shows up on Christmas Eve. Togetherness is Key. It is hard to share memories or make new ones if you are not working together in this endeavor. Be gentle with each other, but make it a point to each engage in the process. Just knowing your spouse has your back has the power to de-escalate stress. Make engagement an ongoing conversation.

Consider ugly Christmas sweaters. Here’s our purchase for this year. Wearing them reminds us we are in this together and that’s what makes it fun! Listen to favorite carols or share memories of past holidays while you clean, wrap gifts or bake cookies. Make it fun by doing it together.

Tip #3: Do Something Intentional for Your Relationship

Hint: Intentional is deliberate and with purpose. (See our post Intentional Marriage — 50 Ways.) Here are some of our holiday favorites: Keep it simple! Hide Mistletoe (think Elf on the Shelf). Celebrate your discovery with a 10-second smooch. Make it fun! Celebrate the purchase of that last gift with a latte. Or celebrate with a snowball fight and burn some calories. Snuggle together and watch a Christmas movie. Snuggle is the operative verb — No multitasking. Plan it! Cruise the town and enjoy the Christmas lights go ice-skating or take in a local choir concert. Romance it! Let the last few cards wait until morning and make love. Another party? Skip it and go out to dinner, just the two of you.

Discover the Best Gift of the Season

If you follow these 3 Tips we know you will slide into the holidays more prepared, relaxed and confident and most importantly, more in love with your spouse. Spend these days and weeks before Christmas wrapping your relationship in love. Remember, christmases will come and go, but if you want your relationship to last forever, treat it as the most important gift of the season! ENJOY!