SIMPLIFY: Key to enjoying the Holidays

By:  Sanjay Shah, M.D.

            Holidays are time for fun and traditions.  We look forward to the holidays for the joy and excitement they bring and the memories they create.  But holidays also bring a lot of stress.  Planning for festivities and buying gifts can mean not only physical and emotional stress, but also yearlong financial stress.  Commercialism has stolen the true spirit of the holidays.  Here are some ideas for celebrating without stress.

            1.  Set limit on gifts;  A true gift for children is the time they spend with family.   Years from now they will not remember a particular gift they got on a particular holiday, but they will certainly cherish the bonds they develop with family members.  Give one or two gifts to each child.  Tell grandparents to minimize their gift-giving also.

            2.  Spend within your budget;  being debt free is a big stress reliever!  So spend money within your means emphasizing on the thought behind the gift, rather than it’s price tag.  Stay away from hot items like “Furbees” or “Scooters”, which are bound to be a lot more expensive.

            3.  Try No Gift holidays;  Try this only if your whole family agrees to the idea.  Don’t do it to make a fashion statement.  After all, the gift of love stands above all especially for children.

            4.  Limit the number of parties that you go to;  Invite people you will truly enjoy your holidays with, rather than people you “should” invite.  Don’t try to be at many places at the same time.

            5.  Encourage your children to share the toys and clothes they have outgrown with children in need.  Encourage them to buy even a small gift for someone in need from their allowance.

            6.  Set a good example;  spend less on yourself.  Stay away from family squabbles.  Avoid overeating and drinking too much alcohol.  Party less and spend more time with the kids.

            With a little planning an prioritization, it is possible to enjoy the holidays without having to deal with exhaustion, frayed nerves, and over-extended charge accounts.