Making your holidays bright
Between juggling the everyday demands of work and home, you've got your hands full. Now with the holidays approaching, coupled with managing year-end closings, budgets and 2007 plans and goals...it's enough to make your head spin.
When stress is at its peak, stop and regroup. These steps should reduce normal holiday stress and help you balance your life. Who knows, you may even end up enjoying your out-of-town relatives this year!
- Seek support.
Seek out mentors and coaches if you feel overwhelmed. Consider volunteering - helping others lifts your spirits and broadens your social circle. Also, enlist support for your own gatherings, including meal preparation and cleanup. You don't have to go it alone!
- Be realistic.
As families grow, traditions change as well. Hold on to ones you can, but understand that some may no longer be possible. Similarly, your organization's pace right now may require changes in holiday traditions at work.
- Stick to a budget.
Decide in advance how much you will spend on entertainment, gifts and other items, then stick to it. If you don't, you could feel tense afterward as you struggle to balance the budget. Donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.
- Plan ahead.
Set aside specific timing for holiday activities. Also, allow extra time for travel so that delays won't worsen your stress.
More Tips
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