Ways to Ease Your Anxiety, Holiday Stress- part 2

The pressure is on, Thanksgiving is gone and now Christmas looms like a cloud over our heads. Isn't Christmas supposed to be fun, a time to reflex on our spirituality, and enjoy family and friends???

Did things change? When did they change? How did they change? Here are some tips to help you through this busy time.

1. Aim for "good enough." Stop striving for perfection. You cannot make everything ideal. No tree is perfect, cookies don't have to be made from scratch. Do you best, then move on.
2. Prioritize. With all the get-togethers going on during the holiday season, don't feel obligated to attend them all. Decide which events are most important both professionally and personally, and skip the nonessential ones.
3. Divide your chores. Separate your to-do list and household chores into small manageable chunks. Instead of exhausting yourself by trying to do everything at once, wrap one or two gifts every evening. Shop during lunch breaks online for 20 minutes at a time. Break up your holiday card list to address a few over 4 to 5 mornings or evenings. Break down tasks.
4. Be safe and careful when you are out shopping. Stores are less crowded during daylight hours. Bring a companion with you for added security.
5. Keep to your shopping list and budgeted amount for each gift. You will be less likely to rush and more likely to be careful. You will be able to avoid financial stress after New Year's.