{"id":2844,"date":"2019-12-20T14:41:04","date_gmt":"2019-12-20T19:41:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timothydimoff.com\/?p=2844"},"modified":"2019-12-20T14:41:04","modified_gmt":"2019-12-20T19:41:04","slug":"cut-down-holiday-stress-with-these-six-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timothydimoff.com\/2019\/12\/20\/cut-down-holiday-stress-with-these-six-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Cut Down Holiday Stress with These Six Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
Even though we are just a few short days away from the beginning of Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year\u2019s Eve, it\u2019s the time to have fun, get-togethers, plus do the shopping, baking, and cooking for everyone.<\/p>\n
Yet\u2026often this is the time when stress levels run high. Arguments break out and feelings are hurt.<\/p>\n
As you gather with your family, friends, and coworkers this year, please keep these six ideas in mind to keep your enjoyment level high and your stress levels low.<\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>In years past, I have tried to do too much during December and gotten myself run down. The last two holidays, I was sick and not much fun to be around. This year, I\u2019ve vowed to:<\/li>\n\n
\n<\/strong>If you always ran the kids around, shopped for everyone in the family, wrapped every gift, baked, and cooked the entire holiday meal, AND worked full-time, perhaps this year is the perfect time to ask others for help. For example, you can:<\/p>\n\n
\n<\/strong>Don\u2019t worry or fret about what will happen at the office holiday party or your family dinner. Take one day at a time and stay engaged in every conversation.<\/li>\n
\n<\/strong>If your uncle likes to \u201cstir the pot\u201d by brining up lightning rod issues, talk to him beforehand and ask him not to do so. If needed, send out a group email about the banned topics. After all, you\u2019re there to enjoy each other\u2019s company and get caught up on each other\u2019s lives, not debate politics or religious views. These boundaries will keep the family drama down to a damper.<\/li>\n
\n<\/strong>You may feel compelled to give a gift to someone you didn\u2019t expect to receive a gift. Or your extended family agreed not to buy for everyone else, yet, when you get to the holiday dinner, your sister-in-law bought gifts for yourself and your family. These are awkward situations, but they don\u2019t require a midnight dash to the store. Thank them for the present and receive it with grace, no guilt necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n