The Most Wonderful or Stressful Time of Year?

December is a month that either you love, hate or tolerate. For some, Christmas is a very stressful time of year. Between all the decorations, food, parties, gifts to buy, traveling and entertaining family and friends and money, it is easy to let stress get the best of you.  We get so caught up in all the things that we feel we “have to do” for Christmas that we forget the meaning of Christmas. What about making it a priority to just enjoy the month of December? Choosing to be happy instead of stressed? We have 5 ways to help you make this Christmas one to remember- not one you want to forget.

5 Ways To Minimize Holiday Stress

1. Avoid the mall: The mall this time of year is a fucking zoo! People everywhere and parking is a pain in the ass. You’re stressed before you even get into the mall! How about avoiding it altogether? Last year was my first year doing all of my shopping outside of the mall and it was a success! It’s easier than ever to get everything you need online. Amazon, Target, Walmart (free 2-day shipping w/out a membership) are all the obvious choices to find just about anything and everything on your gift list. FashionNova.com is another personal favorite if you are shopping for someone who loves clothes and they ALWAYS have discount codes you can easily find online. H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Wayfair, and Barnes & Noble are all great online shopping options as well! 
2. Make Time for Yourself: Ok, so you just wrapped 73 gifts and decorated the entire house to look like the North Pole. That deserves a break and some relaxation. Watch your favorite Christmas movie and just CHILL. Make yourself some tea or your favorite cocktail and cuddle up on the couch. Read a book that you have been wanting to finish or take a bubble bath. You don’t need to give every minute of your day to others. You matter too and pampering yourself can be a gift to yourself! Self-care is important! Just remember to slow down and smile 🙂 
3. Combat Stress With a Workout: Yes, exercise is pretty much our answer to all of our problems. It just makes you happy! Endorphins pumping lead to smiling and reducing stress. It’s a fact. Keep up with your workout routine during the holidays or start a new one if you already don’t have one. Hit up a yoga studio, the gym, go for a run or walk, jump-rope at home etc. Just do something to work your body and release that stress! If you don’t want to pay for a membership you can always do workouts at home following a YouTube channel!
4. Be okay with Saying “No”: Lots of people want your time during the holiday season and that can be overwhelming. Saying no to some things is completely fine and can help you feel less stress. Spreading yourself too thin is a major cause of stress so try to stay away from doing that. Instead, communicate with people and they should respect your decision. It is a busy time of year so, using your time wisely will help you decrease stress. Weekends can be filled with parties, get-togethers and other events but don’t think you have to be apart of every single one. 
5. Enjoy this time of year: The Holiday season can be stressful enough. Spending time with family can also be stressful for some people too. Do what makes you happy! That is what it is all about. Start a new tradition, do something with only your immediate family or a small group of friends. Things don’t always have to be so big and bold during the holiday season. If simplicity makes you happy, stick with that. Just enjoy this time of year because it will be over before you know it. 

Have a Merry Christmas

We hope that you found these tips useful and hopefully they inspired you to look at December in a different way. This really is a wonderful time of year and if you take the time to appreciate it you will have more happy memories and less stressful days. Cheers to a stress-free Christmas!