With less than four weeks to go, many women are beginning to feel the buildup of holiday stress. It’s financial, it’s emotional, it’s physical, and it’s time consuming.
And the worst of it is, year after year, we forget the promises we made to ourselves, and we get caught up in the hype all over again. I know — I’m a victim myself.
In our house, we celebrate more than just Christmas at this time and, as a result, the gift giving can become overwhelming. In order for us not to fall prey to the temptations around, we put a price limit on the gifts we give. For us, it works — especially since we have small children who don’t know the difference anyway.
Sit down with your partner and figure out what you can — and can’t — afford. If it’s necessary, speak with the other adults in your extended families and make a joint decision. For example, if on final count there are just too many people in your gang to buy everyone a gift, you could do one larger gift for each family. Or a massive Secret Santa where each person buys for only one other.
The holidays are a time for family, and if you’re situation has changed recently, this may be an extremely emotional time for you. A recent breakup, highlighted by the change in where you may or may not spend your holidays this year, and with whom, can bring feelings that may have subsided back to the forefront.
Give yourself time to grieve — a solo walk in the park, a good cry in your bed, whatever works for you to let it out. Then hold your head high and make this season a stellar one by attending parties, accepting invitations, and letting loose.
For a lot of women, the holidays come with a double-edged sword: on one side, there’s all this great food to be eaten, cocktails to be had, and time to relax and lounge by the fire. On the other hand, there are usually some get-togethers and events at which those same women wish to look their best.
Put yourself in a mini boot camp for the next three weeks: watch what you eat, avoiding sweets, alcohol, unnecessary carbs, and second helpings; do some situps in the morning before you shower for work; get off the bus or subway early and walk the rest of the way; get to the gym, swim, or go for a run and get your adrenaline going.
Finally, use your time wisely. Bring your lunch to work and write holiday cards while you eat. Or use that hour to run easy errands and eat on the go. Multitask whenever and wherever possible — if you like to chill out at the end of a harried day by watching TV, wrap a gift or two during the commercials.
Most importantly, have fun gearing up for the holidays. lisl tesher for metro toronto
Lisi Tesher is a freelance writer and photographer living in Toronto with her husband and two children. She cares passionately about social injustices, children’s health and education and diversity.
