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Sonoma Family Life Magazine

10 Tips to Manage Holiday Stress

by Midge Noble

Happier parents means a happy holiday household for the kids. Here are ten for parents to de-stress around the holidays:

  1. Keep it simple. You don't have to do everything and be the best at everything!
  2. Make a list of things you really want to attend and then let go of everything else!
  3. Decide on quick recipes that let you be a part of the party.
  4. Choose a friend who loves to cook to be your caterer and then enjoy your evening.
  5. Remember, it is NOT the amount you spend, but the fact that you remembered someone.
  6. Focus on the giving part, and put YOURSELF at the top of the list.
  7. Make an appointment with yourself to take a warm bath, with candles, and soft music! Grandparents are always wanting more time with the grand kids!  RIGHT?
  8. Be okay with saying, "No, Thank you," when too many invites start pouring in. Go back to item number 2 above and release any guilt for your decision.
  9. Remember, this is YOUR Holiday too and you deserve to feel happy and peaceful.  After all, it isn't an event that is going to end world hunger, although if we were to rearrange our intentions, it could be!
  10. LOVE & APPROVE of yourself!  No one can judge you without you allowing that judgement to mean something to you... really!

Midge Noble, child and family counselor for twenty years, is the author of Ice Cube Award: Learning To Be Cool Under Pressure.