Real Solutions For Living...A Successful Holiday or A Stressful Holiday--You Pick

Are you someone that doesn't look forward to the holidays? Do you grimace at the thought of making a list and checking it twice, standing in lines and navigating holiday traffic, and spending all that bonding time with the relatives?

Not everyone loves the holidays and can you blame them? It can be a rather nerve-wracking time of year! There are tons of preparations, lots of expense, and many expectations from others as well as ourselves. It's no wonder many people have come to equate the holidays with one of the most stressful times of the year.

So what can we do about it? I say chuck what's not working out the window and make the holiday you've always wanted happen this year.

You've got to be kidding, you say incredulously. Nope! I'm serious. If you've had it with the hustle and bustle, doing things the way everyone else expects you to do them, and spending money you don't have, then stop the insanity! Take control of the holidays and your stress level by making choices that better suit you, your family, your budget, your time constraints, your ideal, your preferences, and so on.

Go back to square one. Close your eyes and picture in your mind an ideal holiday. What does that look like to you? What do you see? What do you feel? What do you smell? What do you taste? Who's there? Where are you? What are you experiencing? What elements make up this ideal holiday in your mind?

Now, take notes. Jot down the components that are essential to your ideal holiday. The tastes, the sights, the sounds, and those you share it all with. Start planning on paper this ideal holiday.

Next, ask your partner and children what would make their holiday absolutely special. What are their particular favorites of the season? Likewise, be sure to ask what they most dislike about the season. Get a consensus as to what your family's ideal holiday should be this year. What activities from years past can be eliminated? Then eliminate them--without guilt! What activities are keepers? Then pull out your calendar now and schedule them.

Who says you have to do things the way it's always been done? Who says you have to do things the way everyone expects you to? This is your holiday. Do it your way. Enjoy it your way. If you don't want to exchange gifts with all the aunts and uncles, then don't. If giving gifts to each of the cousins has always put a strain on your budget, then take those names off your gift list. Afraid you'll hurt someone's feelings? You may actually cause others in the family relief! They may be wanting to do the same thing but haven't had the nerve to draw the line you have!

The key to a successful holiday is to enjoy your holiday. The key to enjoying your holiday is to reduce your stress. The key to reducing your stress is:

So say goodbye to those obligations that others put you under and only commit yourself to what you and your family enjoy the most. Put your family's favorite holiday activities on your calendar now before other activities start crowding in. Give yourself permission this year to create that holiday you've always imagined! ...and enjoy!!