Is Holiday Stress Making You A Ticking Time Bomb?

Happy holid.....what are you doing just stand there? There are things to be bought and people to buy them for!

The holiday season is upon us to encourage peace on earth and joy to all. Unfortunately, this now translates to frantic preparation and high blood pressure.

Our consumer culture has us caught up in the mechanics of the season with the Christmas lists and obligations, which can turn the season into a mindless chore of yuletide stress and expectations.

All of that running around to check off names on the shopping list almost feels like a job we do because we have to. The holidays are here and the only way to celebrate it is to mindlessly roam the shopping aisles like strung out elves.

The best thing to keep in mind is that, at the core of it all, the reason for doing all this is not just to get it done. Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a mindless chore if you remind yourself why you are doing it: to bring joy to your friends and family. 

All of that waiting in line, cooking and decorating serves a much better purpose.

The holidays come every year, which turns them into an annual routine. This has to be done before the tree goes up, while all of that has to be bought right after the stockings go up. The this/that of the holiday season will not go unnoticed by the many people in your life.

That thoughtful gift you picked up will make somebody’s day soon enough. The treats you found on Pinterest are going to be thoroughly enjoyed by guests, while they admire your excellently-placed holiday decorations.

We live in a live-fast-or-die society where we overwork ourselves to get to the finish line. The desperate sprint to the end leaves little room to appreciate what we are doing, and how it will be appreciated by others.

So now is the best time to remember that every bit of holiday stress has a purpose. You are not only giving out gifts, but you are also including your time and thought into each present. Be proud of the fact that the gifts you will soon give/receive are another reminder of the bonds shared between those you love.

Your stress headache while waiting in line at Macy’s will translate into a smile on somebody else’s face (or maybe even more.) The hours of work on holiday festivities will add up to a lot of happy guests.

I say there is a reason for the season. Even if it can be clouded by stress and worry, it is all meant to bring people together and enjoy the shared humanity between us. 

I recommend taking a moment to remember all of this and appreciate the joy given/received every single day, especially during the holiday season. Taking a moment or two to reflect on this should help curb the common affliction that is Holiday Stress.

Especially keep that in mind when that blonde soccer mom cuts you in line at the toy store. It is all going to be okay. Trust me.