Holiday Blues?   A Guide To Get Through The Holiday Season

By Hydeia Hamilton

The holidays are meant for family time, a break from school or work, relaxation, right? We all know the truth. The holiday season is a stressful time for many. The final push for the end of the semester, figuring out the perfect gifts to buy for loved ones, stressing about your financial status and how much you’ll spend on others, living up to the expectations of your extended family, et cetera, et cetera. Personally, these struggles interfere with my thoughts months before the holidays even begin. However, I’ve found 5 ways to make November and December smoother sailing for me, and I hope they help you too!

• Getting your schoolwork done ahead of time!

As for me, this is a main contributor to my stress levels. Getting everything done on time lifts weights off of my shoulders before I even think about buying gifts for other people.

• Balance priorities!

Especially for us seniors, this is the time for balancing activities: college apps, attending school events, visiting friends and family, etc. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and fall out of your normal routine by using the old “I’ll do it later.” No you won’t! The best time is now! Keeping a routine and finding time for your to-do list is crucial to less stress.

• Plan gifts early!

With a large family, I start planning gifts in October. Now that may seem ambitious, but creating a list of names matched with what to buy them will save you. You have time to make a more thoughtful gift! Also, instead of buying gifts all at once last minute, spanning the purchases out makes it seem like you’re spending less (that’s how I like to think about it). AND shipping won’t cost nearly as much:)

• Seek your loved ones!

It’s easy to feel forgotten since everyone’s schedules are super busy during the holidays! But I promise you, with a simple message at the request of spending time together, your loved ones would be more than happy to. You’re not being obnoxious for a little attention, they need it too!

• Don’t forget yourself!

As much as the holidays are for appreciating the masses that others do for you, don’t forget to appreciate yourself. Be proud of the steps you take each day to get through it. You are deserving of the same love you give to others, especially during this stressful time.