This time of year has always been one of my favorites. I enjoy turning on the fireplace, streaming holiday music and drinking hot chocolate while baking holiday treats. A blanket of snow creates a lovely new landscape for the morning commute. And, the emphasis on giving back during this season warms my heart. But, many times, the holiday to-do list can distract from all of my favorite things.
It turns out, I’m not alone. Nearly a quarter of Americans reported feeling “extreme stress†come holiday time, according to a poll by the American Psychological Association. Holiday stress statistics show that up to 69 percent of people are stressed by the feeling of having a “lack of time,†69 percent are stressed by perceiving a “lack of money,†and 51 percent are stressed out about the “pressure to give or get gifts.â€
Here are some tips for handling the holiday stress so you have more time to focus on your favorite things.
Prioritize. Get out that to-do list and highlight the most important things. Schedule those first, then fill in with the little things if there is time. Be sure to include intentional time to relax and time for family.
Think Win-Win. Don’t make holiday gift giving a competition. The most sincere gift does not have to be the most expensive. A variety of homemade holiday gift ideas can be found at food.unl.edu. In addition, teach your kids not to play the comparison game. Remind them to be gracious and not worry about what others may have.
Listen. Make peace a holiday goal for your family. When everyone has time off from work or school and they are gathered together, it can be stressful. Make an extra effort to get along, be forgiving, and accept each other’s differences. Some conflict is normal, but try to resolve it, seek first to understand the other person, and be especially sensitive to others over the holidays.
Most importantly, take time to simply enjoy the holiday season. Remind yourself of your favorite things and let go of the rest.
In addition, here are some upcoming opportunities for family time or homemade holiday gifting:
Holiday Party Workshop
When: Thursday, December 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 4-H Building – York County Fairgrounds
Cost: $20 per person
Join us for Holiday Tea, complete with crumpets and 4-H China. Create your own holiday centerpiece made with fresh greens and florals. You will also pick up a few tips on etiquette and table setting. Sign up by calling the Extension Office at (402) 362- 5508 before December 9. If you have questions, please contact Megan Burda at megan.burda@unl.edu
Gingerbread Workshop
Decorate your own gingerbread house for the holiday season. Hosted by the Creative Clovers 4-H Club.
When: Thursday, December 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 4-H Building – York County Fairgrounds
Cost: $5.00 supply fee per person
Families are welcome! (Youth under 10 years of age need adult help!) Please pre-register at the Extension Office by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 18th. Drop off cash or check payable to Creative Clovers 4-H Club. Supplies will be furnished, but participants are welcome to bring any candies or decorating supplies to share! Questions—contact Kara Rauert at 402- 362-1299.
Barn Quilts
When: Wednesday, January 4 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m..
Where: Cornerstone Building – York County Fairgrounds
Cost: $40 per person
Open to adults and youth (under the age of 12 will require adult supervision), you will learn all about the history of the Barn Quilt Movement in the United States and Nebraska, and how Barn Quilts can increase tourism and community vitality in your area as well as how to plan your design and paint your Barn Quilt!
Registration deadline is December 9, so that your wood block can be ordered, cut and primed before class. Each quilt will measure 2’ X 2’ . Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. No cancellations taken after registration date has passed.
