Dating Tips
Managing Holiday Stress as a Couple Looks Like This
The Yuletide season is here, and it’s undoubtedly the most wonderful time of the year (*cue the music!*). But there’s chaos that comes with it. Managing holiday stress is the only way to keep up with it.
Psychotherapist and psychology instructor Amy Morin tells Psychology Today that individual and couples therapy requests always increase every December in her office.
For a jolly time, the holidays can unfortunately bring out some of our worst qualities. If you can feel the stress coming, brace yourself for the madness with your partner. You can get through it together.
Sound the Alarm: Why the Holidays Are Stressful
You’d think jingle bells ringing and gift-giving would make the holidays a sugary sweet season. But all the preparation and pressure can amount to enormous stress.
Several holiday stressors contribute to this feeling. Let’s learn how they pile on the discomfort.
Financial anxiety
Holidays entail a ton of spending, from gifts to decorations. Some people feel pressured to shell out a lot because of the season’s emphasis on (genuine) generosity. Budget-conscious folks feel heightened stress because of their financial constraints.
Family dynamics
Sometimes, our parents, siblings, and other relatives are the primary causes of holiday stress. Attending family gatherings is fun, but they can take a toll when done in excess.
Also, for people with separated, estranged, or blended families, the holidays can get extra overwhelming. Aside from attending many celebrations, the thought of being with people they don’t get along well with can be anxiety-inducing.
Societal conventions
People often paint idealized pictures of the holidays. Sometimes, those images cast unrealistic and unreasonable expectations. And the thing is, no two people celebrate the season the same way.
Misconceptions can have consequences. They can contribute to financial woes (see factor #1 above) or mental distress.
Get a Grip on Stress
Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with the holiday stress alone. Your partner will (and should) be there with you as the Christmas chaos comes swinging. Take these tips to heart as you navigate the season together:
#1: Craft a game plan.
Since the holidays can get crazy, make a plan for the season. Pick and choose the events and tasks you’ll cater to and map out how much time you’ll spend on them. This will make your schedule and time management more feasible.
Remember, it’s alright to say no. You can’t please everyone by accepting invitations to every gathering.
#2: Keep things simple and realistic.
I know you want to go all out for the holidays. ’Tis the season to be jolly and giving, after all. But here’s the thing: fancy doesn’t always guarantee a good time for everyone. You can’t do it all, and that’s okay!
Avoid overwhelming stress with simple celebrations. Stick to what matters to you and your partner. You’ll be happier that way.
#3: Take breaks in between tasks or events.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Get out for a breath of fresh air, or spend some alone time in your room for a few minutes.
There’s only so much you can do at your full capacity. Even the strongest people have their limits — you included.
You can take breaks when you need them. Pressing the pause button every once in a while will make you more productive and less burnt out.
#4: Make new traditions.
Want to break the mold? Make your holidays unique by starting your own traditions. Not only does this alleviate pressure from living up to typical ones, but it also gives you something new to connect with.
Managing holiday stress together will make your season extra bright. Good luck and happy holidays!
Reference
Morin, Amy. 2023. “5 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Strong During the Holidays.” Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/202312/5-ways-to-keep-your-relationship-strong-during-the.
