We all know about the Grinch who “stole Christmas.” But do others accuse you of having those Grinch-like characteristics around the holidays, stealing their joy of the season? If so, the holidays—and activities associated with them—may be getting the best of you.
The list is a mile long when it comes to all the reasons for anxiety during this time of year: credit card bills to be paid, presents to be purchased, houses to be cleaned, decorations to be hung, food to be prepared, and suitcases to be packed….and then unpacked, house cleaned, or deciding when to take down the Christmas tree. While these things are just part of the holiday season, how can we help our families cope with the stress that comes with it?
- Teens and Adults
A great thing to do is simply participate in something you really enjoy! If you like exercising, go for a walk or jog. Others find coffee or snack shops an enjoyable environment to relax and unwind. Or perhaps you’re a bookworm. Pull out that book you’ve been meaning to read and spend just 30 minutes of uninterrupted time with it and a cup of warm cocoa. Say a quick on-the-go prayer for God to give you the proper perspective and the ability to accomplish what really needs to be done.
- School-age Kids
Elementary-aged kids react to stressful situations in a variety of ways. When their normal “hang time” with friends is disrupted for several days or weeks during holiday breaks, it can cause anxiety for your grade-school child. This may be an instance when you might consider relaxing some time limits for them with other items of interest, such as electronic devices and games, to help them decompress from boredom and solitude. Or find ways to be the substitute by helping them remember how fun you were before the friends came along and took such a large part of their daily life.
- Preschoolers
As a parent, you can ease some of the holiday upheavals by making sure you are consistent with keeping routines in place—such as preschoolers’ bedtimes and mealtimes. When possible, try to spend a little extra time with your child—snuggling or talking. These playful times can bring comfort to an upset preschooler and reassure him that though things are a bit hectic, he is still very important to you. Help your preschooler put his feelings into words—such as, “I think you are feeling sad because you have to share things with other family members that you’re not used to. Am I right?” Acknowledging the feelings of others is a huge help to them.
- All Ages
If you model openness in your home by sharing some of your struggles regarding holiday stress, more than likely, your family members will be more understanding and willing to help as they can. Don’t forget to share your concerns with God. A great Bible verse that brings comfort to both young and old is found in 1 Peter 5:7, where we’re reminded to cast our cares on the Lord.