Everyone has had the experience of the holidays becoming stressful in some way. From finding the perfect gifts to dealing with a troublesome cousin over Christmas dinner.

In this article, I’ll be sharing some straightforward and practical tips to help you have a more stress-free holiday season.

First though, why is Christmas so stressful?

Why is Christmas so stressful?

Christmas can be incredibly stressful, and this stress often stems from various sources. So, why is Christmas so stressful? Let’s explore some of the common reasons behind the holiday stress:

1. Financial pressure. One of the leading causes of stress during Christmas is the financial burden. The pressure to buy gifts, decorate, and host gatherings can strain your budget and leave you feeling overwhelmed.
2. Gift-giving expectations. Christmas is synonymous with gift-giving, and there are high expectations around finding the perfect presents for loved ones. This quest for ideal gifts can create a considerable amount of stress.
3. Time demands. The holiday season demands a significant investment of time. Shopping, decorating, cooking, and attending various events can take up a large portion of your schedule, causing time-related stress.
4. Family dynamics. While Christmas is about spending time with family, it can also be a source of stress due to complex family dynamics. Conflicting personalities, unresolved issues, or strained relationships can lead to tension during gatherings.
5. Traveling. Traveling during the holidays can be another stressor. Dealing with crowded airports, long road trips, and the uncertainty of weather conditions can make the journey taxing.
6. Perfectionism. Many individuals strive for a picture-perfect Christmas with flawless decorations, gourmet meals, and seamless festivities. However, the pursuit of perfection can set unrealistic expectations and trigger stress when things don’t go as planned.
7. Loneliness. For some, the holiday season can be lonely and emotionally challenging, especially if they don’t have loved ones to celebrate with. This sense of isolation can contribute to the overall stress.
8. Over-commitment. Saying yes to numerous social events, parties, and volunteering commitments can lead to a packed schedule and eventual burnout.
9. Health concerns. Overindulgence during the holiday season can lead to concerns about weight gain and health. Additionally, the cold and flu season can add health worries.
10. Pressure to create memories. There’s often a perceived pressure to create magical, memorable experiences, particularly for children. This aspiration can become overwhelming.
11. Comparison with others. Viewing seemingly perfect holiday celebrations on social media can foster feelings of inadequacy and a need to measure up.

Understanding these sources of stress can help you better navigate the holiday season, manage expectations and prioritize self-care to reduce the strain associated with Christmas.

Now, if you’re wondering how exactly to deal with Christmas stress, read on.

Here are some top tips from awesome bloggers on how to deal with Christmas stress this year.

How to deal with Christmas stress this year

1. Say no.

Saying no to all the little things that eat up your time and mental energy allows you to make time for the activities that make you feel refreshed.

Nora

2. Be flexible.

We all know that no matter how well we plan ahead, get enough sleep, or keep our calendars clear, there will always be something that doesn’t go as planned.  And that’s okay.

Mary Leigh

3. Prioritize.

…a to-do list actually does help me to get things done more efficiently. I’m also less likely to forget something that I’ve written down. However, if your to-do list is constantly growing or you never cross everything off, then it might be time to evaluate what’s on it.

Stacey

4. Lower your expectations.

Over-hype and high expectations make preparing for Christmas festivities much more stressful. If you worry yourself over having the best decorations, the most presents, or the most memorable dinner party, you could end up trying too hard (and going a little crazy). 

Jennifer

5. Shop online.

I really like going to the mall, wandering aimlessly from store to store, smelling every candle and lotion that has a tester. It’s a fun way to spend a lazy afternoon, but it’s not the best use of your time. Especially this time of year. The mall is crowded, checkout lines are long, and it just takes a lot longer than you anticipate.

Drugstore Divas

In a 2019 survey of over 1000 U.S. respondents, 58% of respondents said they prefer to do their shopping online as it was less stressful.

6. Start a gratitude journal.

While you can’t always change your reality, you can change how you react. Manifesting an attitude of gratitude this holiday season is a great way to begin!

Holly

7. Finish off all your Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving.

Having this extra time also helped me find ‘the right’ gifts and find the best prices! Yup, this saves me time, stress, and money. Can’t beat that!

Myra

Stressed out about what to get for your extended family for the Christmas season? CLICK HERE for a gift guide to help you get something for your in-laws! You’ll find something useful and/or interesting regardless of your budget!

8. Enjoy your own company.

Maybe this has a greater impact if you’re an introvert, but my guess is that everyone can benefit from just a little time alone to think (or not think), or do exactly what you want without interruption. It doesn’t matter how you spend the time: browse a bookstore, pick up an old (or new) hobby, or just sit on a lounge chair in the backyard and feel the sun on your face.

Nora

9. Delegate.

Maybe your husband doesn’t fold clothes exactly the way you like them, but he is capable of folding. So let him do it! Once you get over the worry of passing off tasks, you’ll see what a relief it is to have some help

Stacey

In the same 2019 survey mentioned above, 12 percent described the festive season as pure stress. 8 percent agreed that there are always family fights over the holidays.

10. Simplify your Christmas decorating.

I simply didn’t have enough room to put up all the decorations in my house. Not enough shelf space to put things on, not enough corners to fill, not enough walls to hang things on… Once I decided on my end goal – peace and simplicity at Christmastime – the rest was easy. It was also very fun giving decorations away to extended family and friends who were quite excited to receive them. It provided blessings on both sides.

Myra

11. Be honest and genuine about what you can (or can’t afford).

If you’re in a place where you simply can’t buy lots of gifts for tons of people (we’ve mostly all been there at some point, right?) then don’t hesitate to set that expectation. You are not obligated by anyone to gift anything. Don’t let guilt cause you to spend money you don’t have. Free yourself from that. 

Rachel

12. Accept imperfection.

We’re constantly bombarded with images of the “perfect” Christmas — on television, magazines, commercials, and social media. It. Doesn’t. Exist.

Stacey

Stressed out about dealing with a difficult relationship during the holidays? CLICK HERE for 4 tips on how to improve your relationships with your extended family.

13. Pick your battles.

We all have someone in our circle that rubs us up the wrong way.  It’s only natural, not everyone can always get along.  Allowing someone else to get under your skin, though, is only going to ruin your Christmas and increase your stress levels. Learn to pick your battles, and don’t take the bait if relatives want to argue or things go wrong. 

Attachment Mummy

Personally, I plan to let a lot of things roll off my back these holidays. A lot of picking of battles. In a way that has never been me. So this will be a surprise to some people around me and if I manage to pull it off the whole time, it will be a surprise to me too!

How have you dealt with the stress of the holidays over the years?