Holiday stress can be overwhelming, especially for new single parents. It's a time of year when your emotions run high and your schedule is busier than ever. Use the following tips to help you go beyond just "surviving" to actually finding new ways to avoid holiday stress and make the season more enjoyable for your whole family.
1. Redefine the Holidays
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Who defines the traditions you choose to follow? Ask yourself what would really make your holidays enjoyable, and simply let go of the things that have little or no meaning for you. This is a huge way to beat holiday stress and make this time of year more meaningful and pleasant.
2. Negotiate a Better Holiday Visitation Schedule
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Another aspect of the season that contributes to holiday stress is working out a schedule that suits both your family and your ex's family. When it seems that everyone wants a piece of the kids' time, planning ahead and being willing to negotiate can go a long way toward reducing stress and conflict for everyone involved.
3. Prepare a Holiday Spending Budget
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There's nothing worse than feeling like you have no option but to overspend and shop on credit just because gift-giving is the thing to do during the holidays. Instead of getting caught up in the nonsense and creating even more holiday stress, consider how much money you really have available to spend on holiday shopping. Then, intentionally plan your gift-giving goals to fit within that budget.
4. Make a List of the Gifts You Plan to Buy
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5. Help the Kids Make Their Wish Lists
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6. Plan to Make Gifts This Year
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7. Mail Your Gifts on Time
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Beat holiday stress by planning ahead and mailing your gifts by mid-December. This way, they'll be sure to arrive before Christmas Eve without your having to pay extra for overnight or two-day shipping. Also, consider decorating the box with stickers and including some balloons and confetti inside so that it's extra fun to open!
8. If You Like to Bake...Bake!
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9. Plan a Special Holiday Breakfast
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10. Make the Holiday Dinner Fun
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How do you make the holiday meal special when it's just you and the kids? Consider what would make the event memorable for each of you. Would it be fun to serve appetizers? How about playing some games with the kids between dinner and dessert? Beat holiday stress by doing what you enjoy and appreciating these special moments together.
