Try to Minimize Those Holiday Stresses

Most people have happy and positive thoughts about celebrating the holidays, but there are those of us who have a more negative view of this time of year, says Dr. Sonja Randle, director of the Child, Adolescent and Family Clinic of The University of Texas-Houston Medical School.

Those people who have negative feelings about the holidays may tend to underestimate the stress generated during these times. "If we can effectively manage and be aware of our unique stresses, we can enjoy the holidays instead of dreading this time of year," says Dr. Randle, an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.

Dr. Randle offers this list of potential holiday stresses to consider and possible ways of dealing with them:

• Do I have enough money to enjoy the holidays? If you travel every year and regret the bills that arrive in January, this year you might consider not going on that trip.
  
  
• How can I find the time to get everything done? Prioritize. Figure out the difference between perfect and doable. Delegate tasks whenever possible and be happy with the results even if the tasks weren't done exactly the way you would have.
  
  
• How can I deal with the different needs of family members? Parents should discuss with each other and then present a united front to the children of what the family is going to do for the holidays. Family meetings before the trip can help prepare everyone for potential trouble spots ahead of time.

Just remember that while visiting the in-laws may be necessary, the visit does not have to consume the entire holiday week.

While on long trips with kids, take short breaks and sightsee. Bring along traveling games.

• Don't overbook yourself or your family with activities.

Activities should be developmentally appropriate. Why torture yourself at an adult party by bringing a toddler along? Expect your teenage daughter or son will want to stay with some school-aged kids having a sleep over.

• Eat healthy and exercise.

If you do overeat, realize you can start your diet tomorrow. Don't use one binge as an excuse to binge again.

• A variety of cultural/ethnic celebrations - Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, to name a few - happen at this time of year. Learning about these other celebrations might renew your joy in your own and help you be more sensitive to the feelings of other people during this time.

- PAMELA LEWIS

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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