Surviving the Holidays

Everyone loves the winter holidays. Regardless of religion or faith preference, the holidays have something for everyone: Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, or simply just a break from school or work. However, while most things about the holidays are great and jolly, it’s also a very stressful time for some people/families. Siblings are united once again, divorced parents put a smile on their face as they greet their ex in-laws, 20 people are squeezed into a room that should honestly only hold about 10.

The holidays always seem to bring along an inevitable amount of stress with them, regardless of what you celebrate or observe. To help aide this stress, for this year I’ve come up with a list that will (hopefully) help you get through this holiday season stress-free.

1. Prepare yourself
Personally, I think one of the things I always underestimate is the amount of people I’m going to see. If your family is as loud and (lovingly) obnoxious as mine is, you’re going to need a little bit of mental prep to see them. Ask around who’s coming so you know who to expect in your house for a few days.

2. Breathe
I write a lot of lists like this and one of the main things I always list is to breathe. It sounds simple and kind of dumb to write down, right? Breathing really helps though when you take into consideration the amount of stress the holidays bring with them. Just keep a cool head when your overly opinionated grandmother starts a fight with your cousin due to different political opinions. Remember that you only really get to see this crowd all together once or twice a year, and that this should be cherished, no matter how heated the debates get.

3. Remember the reason for the season
Gotta love a good cliche, right? Remember that the stress is worth it because you and your family are all together. The presents and breaks off of school are great and all, but being surrounded by people that care about you is the greatest experience of all.

Have a happy happy holidays!