Six Ways to Save Your Sanity During the Holidays

Written by Maridel Reyes

Packed malls and scarce parking spots. Back-to-back holiday parties. Lots of “quality” time with your in-laws. It’s pretty easy to feel not so wonderful during the most wonderful time of the year.

So we rounded up the most common seasonal stressors—and how to beat them. Here’s to a happier holiday.

Seasonal stress: I’m way too busy.

The solution: "We go overboard to please others during the holidays: shopping, cooking, sending cards, and attending every event," George Pratt, PhD, a psychologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in California, said to Health magazine. "Instead, take care of yourself by saying no at least once—and maybe more."

Seasonal stress: I haven’t finished my holiday shopping.

The solution: When the number of shopping days until Christmas gets dangerously low, hit the mall at off-peak hours to save time and for a better selection. Most stores offer extended early morning and late evening hours during the holidays, and these shopping times offer better merchandise plus shorter lines. Score!

Seasonal stress: My kids are climbing the walls.

The solution: School’s out for the holidays, and the kids are bored out of their minds. Engage them with festive activities that help you check off your holiday to-do list. Ask your kids to make everything from holiday cards or gift tags to tree ornaments. [Editor's note: This year I had my girls, ages 7 and 9, stuff and address all of our holiday cards. Were a few zip codes and stamps in strange places? Sure, but I got time to tend to something else and they loved doing it. Win-win!]

Seasonal stress: My in-laws are…difficult.

The solution: If family members often pick on one another at the table, taking the fun out of meals, consider eating family brunches or dinners in restaurants. Being in public discourages loud voices and bad behavior, experts say.

Seasonal stress: My New Year’s Resolution list is a mile long.

The solution: About 52 percent of resolution makers are confident that they will reach their goals, yet only 12 percent actually succeeded, finds research by psychologist Richard Wiseman. His studies find that people who took meaningful steps to achieve their resolutions—setting step-by-step goals or telling friends and family—were more likely to meet their goals. This year, make two resolutions (not 10) and come up with a detailed game plan on how to achieve your goals. 

TELL US: How do you deal with holiday stress? Share your tips in the comments below.