Stress Management –Your Holidays Can Be More Enjoyable Without Spending One Extra Dime!

Much of our holiday stress is self induced. The perfect toy, a new set of bargain priced outdoor lights to make you the envy of the neighborhood.  The jewelers tell us, won’t really be complete unless that special woman or man receives the gift that lasts forever (and takes nearly as long to pay off).  Tear jerking commercials remind us just how important it is to buy the name brand cards if we really want to communicate our true feelings for loved ones during the holiday season.

It is no wonder holiday stress has reached epidemic proportions.  We receive message after message telling us just how important every single thing we buy and do is with respect to having a good holiday season.  We constantly look for a way to capture that elusive sense of holiday satisfaction—often with a wad of cash or a credit card.

There’s nothing wrong with spending within your means to have an enjoyable holiday.  It is, after all, a time of giving and a time of celebration and some level of cost is probably inevitable.  However, there are ways to increase your enjoyment of the holidays without spending one extra dime.

One great piece of holiday wisdom is the simple reminder to “think about ideas and people instead of things.”  Even the most free-spending Christmas shopper, when asked, will tell you that the holidays are a time to reflect on the messages of the season and to spend time with loved ones.  The spirit of the holidays can be  clearly communicated by a simple hug or a quality conversation.

Too often, we use things as our means of expression instead of using ourselves.  By retaining a focus on people and ideas instead of things, we find can begin to really communicate the message of love that underlies everyone’s understanding of the holidays.  A hug, a conversation or a walk around the block with a loved one doesn’t cost a dime and can be the best way to build holiday cheer, pleasant memories, and an appreciation of the holidays.

Volunteering your time and energy to a charitable cause can increase your appreciation of the holidays and allows you to truly embody the spirit of giving that underpins the season.  This simple act of kindness can be truly transformative not only for those who benefit from the gift but also for those who are willing to volunteer.

If you want another strand of Christmas lights and they fit into your budget, go ahead.  Feel free to pick up that great toy for your child and the expensive knick-knack for your spouse.  But remember that there are a few things you can do that won’t cost you a anything and can really increase the quality of your holiday season.  Remember to think about people and ideas—instead of things.