"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way..." into a full-blown panic attack!
Christmas is an amazing celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ - yet it is not the "most wonderful time of year" for many due to the anxiety or burnout that come with it. Add in the impact that shorter days during winter months can have on our moods, and you've got a recipe for a "blue Christmas."
In fact, a recent survey found that 38% of people report increased stress during the holidays, and according to the American Psychological Association, more than half of Americans feel overwhelmed by finances, time pressures, and the social demands of the season. But a calmer, more joyful Christmas is within reach! Here are five tips to keep the Christmas crazy under control.
1. Set a Realistic Budget—And Stick to It!
Financial stress is one of the biggest sources of holiday anxiety. A realistic budget can alleviate the worry that comes with overspending. Start by listing holiday expenses, including gifts, food, and travel, and decide what’s truly essential. Sticking to your budget can reduce the financial strain, allowing you to enjoy the season without buyer's remorse.
2. Simplify Gift-Giving
Rather than striving to buy the coolest gift, focus on heartfelt ones. Some families find it helpful to set a low spending limit (my siblings and I only spend $10 each on each other!) or give experiences instead. Research suggests that meaningful experiences often bring more lasting happiness than material items, creating memories instead of clutter—and less clutter means less stress!
3. Prioritize Rest and Relaxation
Build rest into your calendar, such as a cozy evening with hot cocoa or a simple walk to enjoy Christmas lights. Maintaining sleep and rest during winter, when Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects around 5% of Americans, is essential for keeping both our minds and bodies balanced.
4. Limit Social Media
Social media can increase feelings of stress or inadequacy during the holidays. Studies show that excessive time online can negatively affect our mental health. If scrolling through endless holiday highlight reels is more stressful than enjoyable, take a break! Set limits on social media use to stay grounded and content with your own holiday season.
5. Remember Whose Birthday It Is
In the midst of the chaos, don’t forget why you celebrate in the first place. Christmas is simply about a tiny baby in a dirty manger coming into the world to give us hope, love, and grace. Finding moments of gratitude and reflection—whether through prayer, family traditions, or moments of quiet—can help you refocus on Jesus, the only thing that truly matters.
Why Lowering Holiday Stress Matters
High levels of stress can impact both our mental and physical health. Winter months already tend to bring higher rates of anxiety and depression, and adding holiday stress to the mix only amplifies these effects. By creating a calm, joyful Christmas, we’re caring for our minds, bodies, and relationships—giving ourselves the gift of peace.
Wishing you a joyful, peaceful Christmas season!
Joyfully in Jesus,
Kristin Harman
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
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