SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS

HOW TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS
Family get-togethers may be difficult. Be honest with each other about your feelings. Sit down with your family and decide what you want to do for the holiday season. Don't set expetations too high for yourself or for the day. If you wish things to be the same, you are going to be disappointed. Do things a little differently. Undertake only what each family member can handle comfortably. Initiate activity yourself; do not wait for others.
There is no right or wrong way to handle the day. Some may with to follow family traditions, while others may choose to change.
Keep in mind the feelings of your children and/orfamily members. Try to make the holiday season as joyous as possible for them.
Be careful of “shoulds” - it is better to do what is most helpful for you and your family. If a situation looks especially difficult over the holidays, don't get involved if possible.
Set limitations. Realize that it isn't going to be easy. Do the things that are very special and or/important to you. Do the best you can.
Once you have made the decision on the role you and your family will play during the holidays, let your relatives and friends know. Time spent by yourself can also be rewarding.
Baking goodies and cleaning the house can get out of proportion. If these chores are enjoyable, go ahead, but not to the point that it overtiring. Either buy baked goods, or go without this year.
If you used to cut down your own tree, considering buying it already cut this year. Let your children, other family members, or neighboring teens help with the decorating of the tree and house. If you choose not to have a tree, get a ceramic tree, or a small tabletop tree.
Emotionally, physically, and psychologically, the holidays are draining. You need every bit of strength. Try to get enough rest and exercise. Be aware of the increased accessibility of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol during the holidays and guard against overuse of these substances.
What you choose to do the first year, you don't have to do the second year.
One possibility for the first year may be to visit friends, relatives, or even go away on a vacation. Planning, packing, etc. keeps your mind somewhat off the holiday and you share the time in a different way.
Some people pretend Nov. 25th is Christmas and try to get whatever shopping, card writing, etc. done by that date. This way you can avoid to some degree the carols and the wishes from clerks and strangers of a “Merry Christmas.”
If shopping is too much, have your spouse, relative or close friend help you. Consider shopping through a catalog.
If you are accustomed to have Christmas dinner in your home, change and go to relatives; or change the time (instead of 2:00 p.m., make it 4:00 p.m.).
Some find it helpful to be involved in the activity of preparing a large meal. Serving buffet style and or eating in a different room may help.