- Wrap and label gifts. Keep a list, but put items in a closet or at a friend's house.
- Consider how much time you realistically have for decorating. Set up a brief schedule for getting it done gradually.
- Create a list of food specialties you enjoy making, choosing only those that can be baked or cooked and frozen in advance. Begin making those items now and freezing them for holiday parties.
- If you enjoy sending holiday cards or letters, prepare them now. Reduce your mailing list by as much as possible.
- Are you entertaining at home? Assign guests to bring dishes that must be prepared fresh, such as salad.
- Sometimes, family events may be too stressful. "If your family is not happy together the rest of the year, what magic will make that happen during the holiday season?" Cantor says. "For some people, not being with family is actually a good idea."
- Make alternate plans, so you'll feel comfortable declining graciously.
- If you feel you must attend, line up friends to support you in person, by phone or via email.
- Volunteer to help out at a hospital, food pantry, or shelter. This year, with hurricane disaster-related needs, social service organizations will be hungry for willing workers.
The final sometimes-crazy days of the holiday season
You may start having symptoms of stress (headache, diarrhea, anxiety, etc.) as the holidays draw near. If so:
- Listen to your body and slow down.
- Eliminate anything left on your to-do list.
- Get at least seven to nine hours sleep every night, the National Sleep Foundation advises.
- Take daily walks with a friend, a dog or soothing music on your headphones.
- If you use a gym regularly, but the holidays have thrown you off schedule, take time for a work-out. Your emotions and your body will thank you.
- Take a few deep abdominal breaths to calm you. You'll find this simple technique at www.healthywomen.org/take10/january2005/fitnessminute.htm.
"Those who can't get home by the holidays are going to have to accept that this is going to be a holiday season unlike any other," psychologist Cantor says. "Particularly if they have children, it will be important to try and bring some spirit of the holidays--especially the hopefulness--to them."
Community agencies, religious institutions and others will offer help--gifts, clothing, meals, and more. Some displaced people--especially those accustomed to providing for themselves and their families--may find it difficult to continue to accept charity.
"They should keep in mind that the holidays are a season of giving, and that the givers are, therefore, benefiting as well," says Cantor, the author of "Finding Your Voice" (Wiley, 2004). Some who have been displaced may be feeling especially fragile or stressed as the holidays approach. Cantor urges them to speak with local psychologists who are offering counseling help.
References
Noble, R.E. Depression in women. Metabolism. 2005 May;54(5 Suppl. 1):49-52.
Kloner, R.A., Poole, W.K., Perritt, R.L. Circulation. 1999 Oct. 12;100(15):1590-1592.
Phillips, D.P., Jarvinen, J.R., Abramson, I.S., Phillips, R.R. Cardiac mortality is higher around Christmas and New Year's than at any other time. Circulation. 2004 Dec. 21;110:3781-3788.
What is Kwanzaa? Kwanzaa Information Center. Accessed Sept. 19, 2005.
Women and Sleep. National Sleep Foundation. Accessed Sept. 19, 2005.
© 2005 National Women’s Health Resource Center, Inc. (NWHRC) All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission from the NWHRC. 1-877-986-9472 (toll-free). On the Web at: www.healthywomen.org
