Health and Wellness Blog

As an adult, the holidays sometimes lose the magical whimsy that we so looked forward to as a kid. Things like huge snowfalls, playing with friends outside, holiday treats (candy canes were my favourite), and who could forget shaking a couple presents. Now, as an adult, the holidays are filled with grown-up obligations like stringing up your own holiday lights (white lights like my mom insisted), making treats using a new Pinterest recipe (#Pinterestfail), and trying to come up with the best White Elephant present. Lest we forget those brave souls who offer to host holiday gatherings, you all deserve a medal! Looming in the background of all these adult, holiday responsibilities is something that some of us just try to ignore: holiday stress. Let's face it, adult-ing during the holidays is tough.

Holiday stress is certainly not a new phenomenon. Check out this 1983 Toronto Star photo that perfectly encapsulates what I’m referring to; take special note of the headline below.

Strung out: The holidays near; lineups grow and stress lengthens the faces of shoppers. Columnist Sharon McKay offers tips today to counter the Four Os that put it there: Overworking; overeating; overdrinking; overspending. Toronto Star, 1983. 

So what are we, as adults, to do? Let’s spend some time talking about the very real phenomenon of holiday stress. This way we can learn new ways to prepare, cope and actually enjoy what’s ahead this holiday season.

Step 1: Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

Okay, now that we have acknowledged that tensions may run high in our homes this holiday season, let’s actively combat unnecessary holiday stress by preparing for at least some aspects of the holidays in advance. I know, I know, I procrastinate to the point of total annihilation too. But let’s be realistic, there is a lot of “stuff” associated with being an adult during the holidays: festive meal planning, thoughtful gift giving, decorating our homes/apartments/condos, holiday card mailing (physical or electronic), the list really does go on and on. So let's get started, now! For help meal planning, gift giving and decorating, check out these creative, step-by-step guides.

     
     
     

Don’t forget, another thing that we have to consider as adults this time of year is budgeting. If you noticed, the above suggestions have a definite focus on homemade, green, and handcrafted food, gifts, and decorations. This is in an attempt to bring us all in under budget this holiday season (as well as keep things environmentally friendly during a season of consumption).

Need more help avoiding the added holiday stress of going over budget? Check out these library resources:  

Business & Personal Finance blogs: Six Tips to Avoid Holiday Debt & Start Saving Now for Next Christmas

Step 2: Cope 

Everyone thinks that their family has the most oddballs or the worst passive aggressive in-laws or down-right obnoxious siblings. The truth is, we all have them in one form of another. It's somehow different now that we are adults during the holidays, it can make us a little more anxious about getting together with family, am I right? Not to worry, there are ways to cope and I've got you covered. These titles have advice for how cope with the holidays and actually get along with any family member this year.

Step 3: Enjoy

Along with all the hard work we put in as adults this holiday season, don't forget to schedule a little downtime. Sit back, relax and take some time for yourself, we all deserve it! Maybe that includes enjoying an adult beverage while watching/reading these very-adult holiday titles? I know I sure will! 

Last but not least, even though we are adults, we can still enjoy the holidays this year. Prepare, cope and be mindful of your holiday stress levels. Remember, your local library has great holiday-themed programs for everyone, even us adults! So let the library help put you in the holiday spirit …now that the holiday spirit is a stress-free place to be! 

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