Many people go into the holiday season with unrealistic expectations. They believe everything has to be perfect. It's easy to romanticize the holidays, but that can leave you disappointed when relatives start bickering at the family Christmas celebration or you're running late to the Christmas Eve church service.
Being more realistic and focusing on the important parts of the holiday season can help you enjoy this time more. You might scale back on your family Christmas celebration so you're not under as much pressure. Focus on spending quality time with your family and friends rather than worrying about finding them the perfect gift. These shifts in your thoughts can help you stay more positive.
You don't want to miss out on the holiday fun, but it's important to be aware of your limitations and stick to them. Avoid pushing yourself harder than you should just to keep up with everyone else. If someone suggests a holiday activity you know you can't handle, offer an alternative option or politely decline the invitation. When you're in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, tune in to your body and don't be afraid to take a break or sit out activities if you need to.
The environment could also present some challenges and risks. When you're at home at Cambridge Court, you know you're in a safe, familiar environment. Other locations could have tripping hazards, stairs that are difficult to navigate and other potential risks.
Dietary needs can also be a concern. Maybe you're on a reduced sugar diet, so you decide to provide an alternative dessert option you can enjoy. Being prepared for those things can help you enjoy the holidays with fewer risks.
The holidays can be expensive with gifts, travel, food for celebrations and entrance fees for events and activities. Creating a holiday budget helps you plan and save for those extra expenses. Set spending limits for gifts to help you determine how much to allocate. Think about the activities you'll do during the holidays and estimate how much they'll cost. Set aside money each month throughout the year to cover those expenses so you don't have to come up with a large chunk at once.
Waiting until the last minute to shop for Christmas gifts can put you under a lot of stress, and you have to deal with the crowds of shoppers. Start your Christmas shopping early to make it a more enjoyable experience. You can put more thought into your gifts instead of grabbing something just to get your shopping done.
It can also help to gather ideas all year long. If someone on your shopping list mentions something they like, make a note or start your Christmas list with that idea. You might look for problems they have throughout the year and think of gift ideas that could solve that problem or make life easier.
If your holiday plans involve visiting family or friends, make a plan to keep yourself safe and healthy. This might include ensuring you have plenty of your prescription medications on hand for your visit. Plan your mode of transportation and buy tickets early if you're flying or taking a train. Having someone travel with you can also be helpful if you have mobility needs.
Your mental health is important year-round, but the holidays can be stressful for many people. Think about your triggers and the signs you notice when you're feeling overwhelmed. Setting boundaries can help avoid those triggers. Maybe you have starkly different opinions than your relatives on certain topics. Let everyone know those topics are off-limits so you and your family can have a peaceful holiday.
If you feel overwhelmed physically or mentally, make a plan to excuse yourself or take a little break. You might talk to a family member ahead of time so they can support you if you find yourself in an overwhelming situation.
Attending family gatherings, going to Christmas parties, shopping for gifts and attending local holiday events can all throw off your usual routine. When you're out of your routine, you might let your healthy habits, like exercising or taking your medications, slide. As much as possible, stick to your normal routine during the holidays.
Try to go to bed around the same time to prevent exhaustion. Prep healthy meals that are easy to reheat to give you options during the busy holiday season. Plan holiday activities that can also help you work in exercise, such as walking around to look at Christmas lights or strolling through Hilltop Mall in Kearney, Nebraska, while Christmas shopping.
