The gift-giving tradition can put a lot of financial and emotional stress on a couple. On the psychological stress scale, holiday traditions are listed as more stressful than minor law violations, and financial difficulties rank equal to the death of a close friend.
Here are some ideas for minimizing holiday stress:
- Set a budget. Keep the “ghost of Christmas past” from haunting your credit card statements and your thoughts. Look at your finances together and create a realistic spending limit for the holiday season. Account for any upcoming expenditures you may have in the new year.
- Make a list and check it twice. Work with your partner to decide to whom you will give gifts. If your budget is tight this year, don’t be afraid to take cost-cutting measures. For example, you could give one gift per family instead of one to each individual.
- Get creative. You don’t have to buy your presents from the shopping mall. Baked goods and handmade crafts can be budget-friendly and memorable.
- Schedule time for yourself. With all the emphasis on family and friends, time for yourself (including exercise) can fall by the wayside. Keeping up with healthy habits and taking time for yourself will reduce your overall stress level.
- Spend some quality time with each other. Similarly, make time to spend with your partner. With all the parties and family obligations going on, it can be difficult to find time to connect. But, finding ways to carve out time for the two of you will strengthen your bond.
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