Heavily decorated streets are filled with hungry passengers, eagerly trying to collect their last christmas presents for their loved ones. While some of us are just overwhelmed with fighting against the huge crowd of competitive buyers, some struggle with their last minute presents or the scarily empty looking purse. In fact some might even struggle in their own four walls. Stress caused by your own family.
- Conflicts with family or friends
- Time stress
- Money stress
- Loneliness
- Insecurities
Lets see how we can reduce the above mentioned causes of stress:
Conflicts with family or friends:
Nothing spoils the christmas season more than the quarreling of family members or friends. Have you ever experienced it? If yes, you will know how upset it can make you! Especially if you are the one who is directly involved! But it also spoils our mood if we watch our loved ones fight and can’t really do anything. Believe me, picking a side just makes it worse! So what can we do?
1. Set rules to avoid conflicts
The easiest way is to set up rules. This way you can invite both parties and hopefully avoid them throwing each other over the dining table.
For example, if you have a family who is split up because of politics (very interesting topic right now) , set a rule that this topic is prohibited during the meeting. There are enough positive topics that connect all of you. If they don’t know how to start the conversation, take the first step and say something positive. “Thank you all for coming! I am so glad you all are healthy and happy. How was your yoga session, Anna?”.”That’s good to hear! Maria, You also started yoga last week right? How is it?” Connecting topics can not only be hobbies, but also people they both like, great events or future plans.
2. Don't invite them.
If you know that no matter what you do won’t stop their fighting, then just don’t invite them. I know this probably sounds harsh but sometimes we need to look out for ourselves. Isn’t it better when we all have a peaceful season alone? – Instead of fighting all night! Of course this should only be your last solution. Remember to not pick a side and only invite one party all the time, it will only increase the fighting. Instead just invite them both but not at the same time.
3. Call them and make up
If you are directly involved I highly recommend you to call and make up. You are not less worthy than the other person just because you apologized. Nor did the other person “win”. It is time to stop being stubborn. Just imagine what is more important to you: Your relationship or being right?
In germany we have the saying : Der Klügere gibt nach.
Which translates to: Better to bend than to break.
Time stress
If you are a gift buying procrastinator or just have workwise a busy time during december:
4. Start early:
You can already buy your gifts in September or October. Decorate in November and bake your cookies way before Christmas. There is no need to rush. You can also buy the ingredients for christmas dinner beforehand and put them in the freezer! Good time management is key to a stress free christmas !
5. Make a plan:
If the time is already scarce, it is the best to make a plan. Are you a last minute buyer ? Have you ever bought random items or even unnecessary stuff because you were in a hurry? Ugh it happened to me so many times! Making a plan shows you exactly what you need to do and even when. What to buy for the christmas dinner and presents. Whom to call and whom to invite. You only need a pen and paper to scribble down your first ideas and it already makes it a lot easier for you to not forget important tasks.
6. Buy online presents:
This point is not only relevant for time management but also if you are on a tight budget. As for time management: Buying presents online has many advantages:
- Easier payments (no need to rush to the bank)
- Delivery to your door (No more heavy carrying or driving 60 minutes to the next store)
- Find the items faster (no more rushing through the whole store to find one item)
- More variety
- Less competition (no more fighting in the store rows!)
7. Say no:
This is also a very important time factor: Accomplishing not only your tasks but also tasks of people close to you. Principally during this stressful season, family and friends are looking for help but sometimes we just cannot offer it. As I, myself , really suck at saying NO I understand how stressful it can be to take on tasks from other people. Especially when you are a procrastinator and are already late with your own stuff. Yet if you are already stressed or you want to avoid being stressed it is best to learn how to say no
Money stress:
8. Set up a budget plan:
Setting up a budget plan is always a great way to see how much you have and how much you want to spend on each area. Especially if you don’t have the option to spend a lot of money. You don’t have to make the budget plan complicated by creating an excel sheet – a piece of paper is enough! What costs do you have? Where can you save money? Where can you make more cash? What has the highest priority in case the money can’t cover all?
9. More DIY presents:
A great way to save money is to craft your own presents. Not only is it a lot cheaper but you also put a lot more thoughts and effort into your presents. Of course, there are a ton of tutorials online where you can watch step by step how to dos.
10. Define who gets presents and who doesn't
If you have the option to avoid some presents (for friends or not so close family members) I would definitely take it. Especially if you are on a tight budget. Usually my friends and I buy each other presents, but there was a time when we had no income and thereby chose to either only give a small present (like 5-10€) or no present at all. Same goes for family members. If you are unsure if the other person gives you a present and you don’t want to feel embarrassed for not giving back: Just buy something small or craft something. You can also make a no present agreement with people. (Just don’t trust your loved other half when they say no present necessary lol)
Loneliness and Insecurities
Another cause of stress, especially during the Christmas season, is loneliness. Ads are full of happy families, friends that visit their families and people excitedly chatting on the busy streets. Thereby it is especially maddening if you have no one to celebrate it with.
11. Online events and courses
Of course there is always the chance to reach out to other people! Even during quarantine! You can look up baking classes or find a group who likes to make homemade decorations together. You can find more here!
It is also to mention that due to the pandemic many events are online. It gives you the advantage that you don’t need to travel far but still can spend time with others!
12. Take time for yourself
“You cannot be lonely if you like the person you are alone with.”
I found this quote a while ago and it just stuck.(Sadly I don’t know who wrote this masterpiece. Do you? ) Especially during my semester abroad I was very lonely. I was very insecure and anxious. But once I have read this quote it changed my mind: I’ve put more thought on self love and took better care of myself. Bubble baths or steamy showers, working out, eating good food: It all helped me feel less lonely and it even pushed my confidence. Plus, those steps also lower your stress level and make you feel more refreshed during the day! What I want to say is, it is always a great idea to invest in self care and it is just a perfect activity for your christmas holidays!
13. Stop worrying and have fun
If you are insecure about presents you give or if the food is appropriate or delicious it is time to get some rest. Stop worrying. Overthinking only increases your stress level and in most cases we worry for nothing!
Instead, enjoy your christmas season, even alone! You can always turn on the radio and dance in your apartment! Bake cookies. Share them with others. Put more attention to the little joys in life.
That’s it for today’s post!
I hope you all have a great winter season and stay safe!
Topics that could also be relevant to you:
[Read] 30-Day Challenge Ideas to Stay Fit During Winter
[Read] 6 Essential Self-Care Products in 2020 – Self Love Ideas
[Read]How to create a Self-Date during Self-Isolation/Covid-19
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Love from Germany,
Carina and Julia
