Surviving Holiday Stress Strategy #1

I'll be the first to admit I live in a happy holiday bubble. A bubble of my own making. I rock around my own christmas tree in my wet Seattle winter wonderland, with my ear buds safely sealing in the sounds of Silver Bells and Frosty.

"But it's so stressful..." Why? Because we have collectively agreed to make it so. Because what you focus on grows.

Since stress seems to be the hot end of the year topic, how then is it possible to relax and enjoy the season?

1) STOP SHOPPING FOR EVERYONE and their uncle! (This does not apply to your young children.)

How many "I didn't forget about you" trinkets have you received with glazed eyes and smile to simulate airs of appreciation. Regift? More junk for Goodwill?Here in the western world, our cups runneth over with jic-jac. I dare you to just STOP!STOP ALREADY!

Heresy I know.

It will take people a while to really get it. They'll think you're being coy and wait for you to give them festive meats and cheeses in return for the 2011 collector ornament they gave you.

Yes, people will talk behind your back. "You know they don't even get me a gift this year..." (they talk behind you back anyway, who cares?)

I realize there will be exceptions, a boss or spouse. If you're really savvy you'll get your spouse on board as well. Forget the standard gifts, plan a night out together, spend more than just money, spend time together!

We've recently started a holiday tradition of making up batches of homemade Baileys. We bring this as gift to parties, dinners, etc. (See, we aren't bah humbugs, just more fun than your average guest.)

Another idea I love and put into practice, is giving a gift that will change a family's life. this year we are giving goats to family rebuilding their lives in Afghanistan.www.womenforwomen.org

If shopping is a tradition you love, and one that does not stress you out, but rather inspires and excites you then clearly this strategy is not for you. I do hope you are being a conscious shopper! Think handmade, and local. Ultimately who and what is your dollar supporting? 

Empower yourself to choose a new way, break a negative stress cycle, create a new easy tradition that allows you to kick back and enjoy your family, the lights, the yummy treats, to tweak the season to make it work for you.

As for the rest of the frenzied stressed out world? Smile, hug them, share some of that holiday joy you're accumulating from all the extra money, time, and energy you have!