Despite the colorful decorations and merry carols, the holidays can be a challenging time. With the shopper crowds, worries about money and children’s activities to organize, it often feels like parents bear the brunt of this stress, leading many to resent the run-up to Christmas.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Making some small tweaks to your schedule and adjusting your mindset will make a big difference to your enjoyment of the festive period. So, take a step back, change your priorities and beat the seasonal blues once and for all with these three top tips.
Get Outdoors
Even though the cold weather invites us to cozy up indoors, it’s more important than ever to get outside during the winter months to keep you feeling happy and healthy. Sunlight stimulates the brain’s production of serotonin (the feel-good hormone) and provides the body with health-boosting vitamin D. However, natural light is in short supply at this time of year, so you need to boost your exposure whenever you can.
Getting outdoors will also tire the kids out and stop them getting cooped up in the house. Go on a winter walk and forage for natural decorations like pinecones, holly, and red betties. If you can’t get outside, invest in a light therapy box or ask your doctor about supplements you could take.
Take a Winter Break
If the thought of spending Christmas at home makes you feel stressed, why not take a December vacation? Getting away with the kids will stop them climbing the walls and give you a much-needed respite from daily life. If your family dreams of a white Christmas, take them to Wyoming this year to enjoy snowy mountain peaks, roaming winter wildlife and the stunning Yellowstone natural park.
If you’re seeking accommodation, the White Buffalo Club is a luxury, “home away from home” style hotel in downtown Jackson Hole that comes highly recommended. Jackson Hole is a popular skiing town in Wyoming, so it’s perfect for a winter break. If all else fails, gliding down the steep mountain slopes then putting your feet up in front of a blazing fire is sure to bring back your Christmas spirit.
Stop Trying to Do It All
Parents tend to go overboard and try to please everyone during the holidays. If you have kids at home, you already have your work cut out, so lower your expectations and ditch the stress. Do you actually need to send Christmas cards to all of your relatives and attend every party? Could anybody else help you tackle your never-ending to-do list? Encourage your in-laws to bring food contributions, ask for help when you need it, and try to relax. Learn to say no once in a while, and you’ll enjoy Christmas a whole lot more.
The seasonal period can be overwhelming, but readjusting your priorities will help you feel less stressed and make for a much more enjoyable Christmas. Whether you spend the season at home, on vacation or with your in-laws, take the pressure off yourself and prioritize your mental and physical health this year. Your family will have a much better time if you’re less stressed.