How to Have a Less Stressful Christmas in 2020
It’s been almost a month since Christmas 2019, and many of us still miss it. Maybe you clung onto your Christmas tree until the bitter end when you have to purge decorations, or you’re waiting for another snow so you have an excuse to crank up “Winter Wonderland.”
But whatever you may think about Christmas, one thing that many don’t miss is the cost. Many of us are still reeling from the Christmas spending. Here’s how you can save money for Christmas in 2020 while still having a joyous Christmas.
Don’t Wait Until Black Friday to Get Your Gifts!
Many people wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday to buy their gifts for family and friends, and we don’t blame them. You can always find some great deals around that time. However, be mindful of deals all year round. Sometimes, there may be a great deal in July. Buying ahead not only saves you stress, but you may end up with a better deal than what Black Friday has to offer.
Discounted Christmas Merchandise
Okay, it may be a little late for this one, but some stores still have extra Christmas decorations, candy, and other merchandise, usually for much off. With candy, check the sell-by date. Some of the foods last a long time, especially when you store them properly. If you can’t find anything, this is a great rule to remember for the next post-Christmas.
Plan a Budget
Don’t wait until last minute. Plan a Christmas budget. Figure out how much money you want to spend in 2020. Do you want to spend just as much as you did in 2019, or less? Either way, figure out how much you want to spend and set aside some money. That way, you can feel less stressed when the holidays arrive.
Learn to Make Your Own Gifts
Many of us love to buy gifts, but if you’ve had an artistic side, one way you can give to people is through crafting. This especially applies to an older audience who may appreciate more sentimental gifts. With crafting and other art, you can usually make something priceless by buying supplies for cheap.
Keep a Diet and Stick to It
During the holidays, so many yummy foods become available. Peppermint, pumpkin pies, eggnog, stuffing, the list goes on and on. Many of us indulge in the holidays, leading to some extra weight. However, many of us don’t realize that poor diet can lead to you feeling stressed or depressed.
Plan it out. Having a few cheat days during the holidays to have some Christmas cookies won’t kill you, but don’t make it a habit. Keep it planned.
Why Not Do Something the Whole Family Will Love?
Some people, instead of worrying about buying gifts, will instead plan a holiday vacation. Taking a week to go to the beach, or go skiing, can be the ultimate holiday experience and it somehow feels less stressful than Christmas shopping. You can plan early and save on plane tickets and other expenses. You could also plan a stay-cation, hire a Limo or Party Bus and take the family around to look at all the Christmas Lights – try a service like Limo Find.
Start Planning Your Job Around the Holidays
If you work retail or another job where things get hectic during the holidays, you may feel your sanity slowly going away. Some of the best Christmas buffs end up hating the holiday because of it. While we can’t take the entire season off, you can start planning ahead and using your time off for the holidays. This requires much planning and compromise, but it can save you a lot of stress when it is the holiday season.
Talk to a Professional
If you are dealing with any holiday stress or anxiety, speaking to a counselor, therapist, or psychologist is your best move. Your holiday anxiety may be due to many things, including past trauma. By talking to a professional and figuring out why you feel this way, you can learn to have a better Christmas season.
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and that’s why you shouldn’t stress about it. Plan early, have a goal and stick to it, and you can make 2020 the best holiday season of your life. So get out there and have a happy holiday in 11 months.
About the Author
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
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