Between travel, finances, lack of time, expectations of others, and the tension to preserve traditions, feeling pressure during the Christmas season is very real.

What can help you deal with the pressure this holiday season?

Time

No matter what, humans only have 24 hours in a day! We all want the holiday season to be memorable, meaningful, and exciting, but be realistic with yourself and your time. Prioritize people over things, gifts, or the desire for everything to be perfect. It’s going to be okay!   

Finances

Financial pressure can intensify around the holidays. In 2015, the American Research Group, Inc. shared that Americans spent an average of $882 on Christmas gifts. Purchasing gifts should not compromise your ability to pay your bills, nor should it result in costly credit card debt. Don’t add to your stress by making poor financial decisions this Christmas.

Here are a few helpful tips:

• Set a budget for Christmas gifts.
• Stick to the budget!
• Attend a financial class.

Down Time

Prevent the stress from building up by scheduling down time during the holiday season. Take a break from wrapping the gifts. Go on a walk. Clear your mind. Carve out time to watch a family favorite Christmas movie. Take a Starbucks trip by yourself, without the kids!

Perspective

As the year 2017 winds down, spend some time reflecting on the joys, struggles, victories, and defeats in your life. Feeling overwhelmed this time of year can be common, but God invites us to “give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT). Jesus provides hope in a dark world and we would love to invite you, your family, and friends to celebrate the hope He gives to us all this Christmas.