Handling Holiday Stress: Ten Tips For SinglesWritten by Toni Coleman
Here we go again. Presents to buy, work to finish up, cards to write, plans to make, events and parties to attend: and all those things we “must do” because we’ve always done them. Does this sound familiar? Do you go to sleep at night with feeling that you are hopelessly behind schedule, yet have made good use (overuse) of your time? Do you experience even a small measure of dread as you approach this season, and a large measure of relief when it’s all over? Most importantly, are you savoring any of lovely sights, sounds, smells and feelings that are unique to this time of year; or are you just too tired and rushed to even notice? If this describes you, you are probably suffering from holiday stress. Compounding this is widely held belief that this is just way it has to be, and that your task is to just get through it.The following tips are designed to give you a new perspective on this all too common problem. Read on, and see if you can make some small behavior changes/additions that could result in a lot less stress and a lot more enjoyment in weeks ahead. 1.If you have a fairly sizeable family/extended family to shop for, your level of monetary, time and emotional stress can be very high. Therefore, consider approaching your family about your present tradition of gift exchanging. Growing in popularity is system of drawing one name (of one family member) to buy a nice gift for. Everyone in family receives one gift that another member had time (and budget) to choose well. If your family is resistant, you could opt for two gifts per person, or some other compromise. 2.Try a new tradition of having a shopping day with friends (or family). Draw up your list, head for a nice mall or town center with great little shops (even better) and make it a day of shopping, lunch and lattes. You could finish with a late afternoon movie! 3.Consider on-line shopping. This is a great way to save time and get free gift-wrapping without lines and headaches. It also allows more time for you to choose just right gift for each person. You can have them mailed to you or sent to whatever address they will eventually be going to. 4.If you send cards, consider after Christmas cards or New Year’s cards. Why rush to send them before Christmas? The folks who receive them will have more time to focus on your news after Christmas, and may even find it more fun to receive something in mail during quiet “let down” period that follows each holiday.
| | Ten Great Holiday DatesWritten by Toni Coleman, LCSW
Dating during holiday season can be a special treat. Of course, in order to fully experience this you may need to re-order some priorities and make time for yourself and your own personal needs. Don't give into temptation to put your social life on hold until after New Year. Manage those work projects and family demands in a way that leaves you open to try some of romantic and fun-filled activities that are available at this time of year. The following 10 date ideas should help put you in mood and may even inspire you to come up with a few on your own. 1.Have a "progressive" dinner together. Go to one place for your appetizer, another (romantic and intimate) place for your dinner; and then have dessert and coffee (nightcap), in a quiet spot with a beautiful view of holiday lights or other holiday views. Even better, go by limo, so you have all your time to focus on each other and don't have to worry about all driving. 2. Take a holiday tour of historic homes in your area. Many areas of country have these. Often they are done in evening by candlelight. Afterwards, you can go for a walk and view surrounding neighborhood lights and decorations. Finish with coffee in a quiet bistro. 3. Get dressed up and attend a holiday concert or play. You can spend a lot or very little on this kind of date, depending where you go for entertainment. A nice little before or after meal fills out evening. 4. Go and get hot chocolate with your date; then go look at Christmas lights or displays available in your area. Many places have dazzling displays that light up night. 5. Go ice skating together. Find a nice place, not too crowded. This brings out playful side and encourages a lot of interaction with each other. Hold hands, show off, race- be kids again! 6. Attend a religious service together. This could be accomplished by going to a place of worship that one (or both) of you belong to; or you could go to a non-denominational service. An evening service, followed by a supper in an intimate restaurant could fill you with a sense of well-being and peacefulness.
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