As we finished November and celebrated Thanksgiving moving on to Christmas, I am reminded that there is a whole lot of crazy stress during the holidays.

Crazy Holiday Stress is Not the Goal

Crazy shopping, crazy busyness, and sometimes crazy kinfolk. (What? I’m from the south now and that is what we call them here!)

Are you worried about the holidays and how you will handle everything including certain people for even a few hours? If you are like most people, you may have at least a little concern nestled inside your heart.

6  Tips to Handle Christmas Crazy Stress

Here are a few tips to help you turn your crazy holidaze into a meaningful and memorable holiday!

Make a Plan

Have a plan of action ~ If you know Christmas is a busy time, plan it out, scream a big “no” to a few things that you don’t “have” to do. Why, because your body and mind will get stressed with all the hubbub around you if you don’t. Invite God into the plan…better yet, ask him to add you to His plan!

Snooze Away Holiday Stress

Sleep and Rest ~ We often get run down during the holidays because of added stress so add in extra sleep and rest and even reflection. Why? Because it will fill your soul and you need that at this time of the year!

Limitations are Healthy

Set your boundaries and decide how you will handle that testy relative ~ How will you respond and what will you do or say if they push the envelope? Planning means we “respond” and don’t “react.” Head out to visit the neighborhood coffee shop if things get uncomfortable or stressful, or take a walk. Your pre-plan will help diffuse the situation.

Additionally, expect some family stress. It is normal as we are all imperfect people connecting once again for a holiday.

Lose Some Holiday Stress thru Delegation

Share the Love ~ As women, we try to do it all (the cause of crazy holiday stress), when in fact, we need to ‘share the love’ or delegate. Go ahead and make your list but then ask who will complete which tasks. This creates fun and ownership and lightens your load. As the saying goes, “Many hands make light work!”

Relieve Stress with Fun

Enjoy ~ Relax and enjoy the holiday. It need not be a holidaze where you don’t remember a thing. It should be a wonderful memory of everything you enjoy so make memories, have fun, enjoy family and friends, eat cookies (ok, not if you are on a diet), sing carols, or visit a neighbor. Do what you enjoy and what relaxes you!

Jesus is the Holiday Stress Antidote

Remember the true meaning ~ Remind yourself of the meaning of the Holiday. We aren’t on this earth to overwork, overthink and overstress by trying to do it all.

Reflection and Gratitude

These end-of-the-year holidays are times of reflection and focus on the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Gratefulness that a Savior came to change our lives.

An appreciation that Jesus taught us to love others because people are valuable treasures. And thankfulness that Jesus died for us so we may have eternal life.

So as Christmas preparation begins with festivities galore, give yourself permission to take a step back and rest, reflect, respond, and remember! And when the gravy gets passed, remember to pass on the CrAzY and instead, pass out gratitude to our Lord and Savior for all He has done!