How to Reduce Holday Stress

Most of us find ourselves with added stress during the holiday season. Some of us set expectations too high, for others the added responsibilities bring out their worst. Since the burden of extra activities often falls on women, they may find themselves depressed, instead of in the joy of the season. Some simple ways to reduce holiday stress are to lower expectations, take a less materialistic approach to the season, and reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages

Try to shop earlier and spend more time on an appropriate rather than expensive gift. Do we really need more Chia Pets in landfills? Really bad gifts make less sense than no gift.

Home made gifts can be greatly appreciated and reduce the stress of over extending your budget. Despite the increased in technology, most people have less time. Some simple inexpensive gifts that will save other time: Preparing baked goods a head of time. Everyone loves baked goods. One that makes a great holiday gifts is Amish Bread starts. Other baked ideas is to packages the dry goods for cookies in attractive jars (omit the liquids, butter and eggs.) with the recipe attached. Everybody loves to eat, so home made food items are welcome gifts to all. Older recipients would love groceries. You my mother hates dragging the bundles home. Stock on the staples and same them a trip to the market.

Going out to eat can be less stressful than preparing a meal. Cracker Barrel has a great home still menu that is inexpensive at $6.99. No Shopping, no preparation, no dishes. What a treat. Check out what kind of deals you local market has on pre-made meals. Who has to know it wasn't home made? Spedning quality time with your loved ones will be remember long after the gift is in the landfill. (98 percent of why we purchase is in a landfill 6 months later.) Bing a camera and start a scrap book.