More Joy, Less Stress this Holiday Season
Simple Ways to Avoid a Stressful Christmas & Beyond
The holidays are the most wonderful time of year, with a whirlwind of parties, feasts, and festive decorations. However, the holidays can also be a source of stress, with lots of additional hustling and bustling required to finish that even-longer-than-usual to-do list.
According to the American Psychological Association, 41% of US adults report their stress levels increase during the holidays, and 43% say the stress interferes with their ability to enjoy the season.
What can you do to focus on the joys of the season instead of the extra chores?
Set realistic expectations.
Our lives aren’t like a Hallmark movie. There isn’t always witty banter and immaculate clothing – let alone the perfect family dynamic. Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean everyone is behaving differently. Go into it with an attitude of forgiveness and acceptance, because even though the calendar is changing, people do not necessarily do the same.
If you need a break from everything, take a walk outside. The fresh air, exercise, and sunshine on your skin is always a great way to reset your mood and attitude. It’s also a nice time to practice mindfulness.
Approximately half of Americans would describe their stress levels during the holidays as “moderate,” and 41% said their stress increases during this time.
Buying presents, attending events, baking treats, decorating your home, and preparing for family traditions—there’s so much to do around the holidays! Although these tasks are often fun, the sheer number of extra tasks can be overwhelming.
Just making a simple to-do list can help ease your mind. Don’t feel pressured to do it all! Seeing lights, ice skating, Instagram-worthy decorating, attending a parade—oh my! Maybe there’s just one thing on your list that’s very important to you, and the other activities can wait until later.
People also become stressed about financial commitments. If you plan a budget before you start spending, it can help you avoid worries and regret about overspending later. It’s easier to stick to a plan before you get your credit card bill.
The AAA estimates that 115.2 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more from home during the 2023 Christmas and New Year's holiday season. Similarly, the TSA screened a record number of passengers on the Sunday following Thanksgiving in 2022, with more than 2.56 million passengers. According to the TSA, the busiest travel days of the year are usually the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
To make holiday travel less stressful, it’s helpful to research and book early. Plus, if you choose direct flights, it removes one area of complication. Consider travel dates with less congestion (can you celebrate the day after?) and be open to adjusting your plans if needed.
Pack light and put your gifts in your carry on! We all know the potential problems associated with lost luggage. This is one area in which you can make your life easier.
Also, you don’t need to feel the pressure to attend every event. Forget FOMO (fear of missing out)—sometimes the logistics are just too difficult, and maybe it’s more enjoyable to stay home and avoid the entire travel scene altogether.
Last year, 10% of U.S. households paid a professional service to clean their homes.
Why take on every holiday task yourself? There are so many things you need to do during the holiday season that require your presence, but cleaning your house isn’t one of them. Why not leave this chore to the professionals?
With Merry Maids®, you can return to a clean and fresh home. No more scrambling around before people come over or cringing when you spy a cobweb while talking to your favorite family members. You’ll feel calm and confident knowing you’re ready for the holiday chaos, with one less thing to worry about! Bring on more joy, less stress with Merry Maids!
Call (888) 490-4227 today to make your holiday season more Merry (Maids) and bright!
