Heather N. Kolich, ANR Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County
Tips for a low-pressure holiday season
Thanksgiving had just passes when I had to transition to the elastic-waist clothing. Yikes. But treats and feasts aren’t the only factors in play during the fall and winter holiday season. Plenty of other things can throw us off schedule and out of our routines – like seasonal illnesses, travel, family crises, too much time sitting (at the desk, in traffic, at the conference, at the hospital, on the airplane, etc.), and the stress of holiday expectations, preparations, and events.
Life happens, and I’m giving myself a break this year by focusing on enjoying special time with family and friends while holding the line on excesses that will have lingering impacts on health, happiness, and finances. As my grandmother used to say, “Enough is as good as a feast.” We don’t need to overdo at the holidays to show our loved ones that we love them.
Communication with the people who populate our holidays is a key step in reducing the pressure of seasonal expectations for everyone. Inclusive discussions and decision-making can realign priorities, limits, and expectations to the realistic capacities of current conditions.
Identify specific priorities
We all have time and energy limits; we can only accomplish the tasks that fit into those limits, and everyday necessities don’t stop for holidays. Discuss and decide as a family what holiday-related traditions and activities are most important and can realistically fit into the available time and budget. Prioritize a few those, and let the others go – at least for this year. Setting specific priorities helps us stay focused on things that really matter and gives us permission to say “no” to things that take us away from them.
Decide how much is enough
Setting limits on spending, sweets, activities, time away from home, and indulgences keeps us balanced physically and financially both during and after the holidays. Buying gifts for everyone at a family or friends gathering can be a time and financial burden. Instead, limit the expectation to one gift – perhaps with a cost limit, as well – and turn the exchange into a game, such as “dirty Santa” (guests can steal a gift from another player) or an auction using play money. Similarly, while it may be traditional to have so much food at a holiday dinner that the table groans, the excess isn’t necessary or healthy, and if it isn’t stored properly, it can become unsafe to eat.
Stay active
Adding shopping, decorating, baking, and holiday events to a busy schedule means stealing time from other activities. If you can’t keep up with the regular exercise routine, sneak in some mini-workouts while doing other things. Try marching in place while brushing your teeth. Got a minute between cookie batches? Do some countertop push-ups. Stand up and stretch or do leg lifts while on the phone. Holidays are a lousy time to try to lose weight, but we can aim for zero gain.
Schedule downtime
Holiday stimulation can take a toll on kids and adults. Include downtime in the holiday schedule to give everyone a chance to rest, recharge, and do some self-care.
Share the load
Holidays are for sharing, so don’t be afraid to ask for – or offer – help. When you’re hosting an event, ask for help with certain tasks, like decorating, shopping, and cooking. If you’re the guest, offer to bring a dish for the meal, stay for clean-up, or help in some other way.
Enjoy, accept, and laugh
Holidays are special, but they’re unlikely to be perfect. Enjoy the celebrations, but accept the hiccups and move on. Spread happiness and absorb some for yourself. Store away memories, and remember that laughter is good for our mental and physical health.