How to Survive Holiday Chaos and Make it Through the Holidays. The holidays are here! Time to deck the halls, eat delicious food, and spend time with the family. And while ’tis  the season to be jolly, experience tells us that not every moment will be perfect.  Stress levels and emotions can run high and our mental sanity can take a hit. Here are strategies to deal with holiday chaos and actually enjoy the season:

1.  Anticipate some stress

If you are expecting absolute perfection, you will be let down.  Prepare for the holiday vacation knowing that there is going to be some stress involved.  Your in-law might offend you, the kitchen will be a mess, you might get overwhelmed with all there is to do, etc. By understanding that things will be hectic at times, you can have realistic expectations and prepare to deal with such moments.  This is not to suggest that you should set yourself up for a miserable, anxiety-filled family vacation.  On the contrary,by anticipating some stressful moments, you’ll be more able to savor the good ones.

2.  Don’t schedule every minute

It is exciting to plan a fun filled vacation, but if you find yourself or others constantly worn out from the non-stop shopping, baking or outings, take a step back from all the activities.  Sleep is valuable to everyone, so amidst the holiday partying, make efforts to meet the needs of your body.  Instead of going out to a movie, why not watch one at home so the little ones can start to unwind before bed? Consider lightening up the calendar a little bit.

3.  Plan for alone time

If you’re married, single or in a relationship, take time away from the family crowd to refresh.  This may mean going for a jog, scheduling a quick date, or doing anything that lets you relax and be yourself.  It will be a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the family party and can rejuvenate you to spend more time with them.

4. Decide to be happy

Even if you’re stressed, even if you’re tired, even if there’s some family tension, decide to be your best self.  A negative attitude is contagious, and no one likes a party pooper.  On the contrary, a positive outlook is infectious as well, so send out good vibes to others who may be feeling the holiday stress. It’s likely that you get to be with large groups of family only every so often,so make the most of that time.

The holidays are here! Remember How to Survive Holiday Chaos and Make it Through the Holidays. Time to deck the halls, eat delicious food, and spend time with the family. And while ’tis  the season to be jolly, experience tells us that not every moment will be perfect.that the holidays are meant to be an enjoyable time with loved ones, not feel like torture.  By having realistic expectations, practicing self-care and taking things easy, you can enjoy the holiday season.

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