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A Stress-free Holiday

Unwrapping a Stress-free Holiday Season

By Donna Smith

, blames technology and access to information that wasn't available before. "There is so much information about what makes a good family, what makes a good holiday, how to do things – whether it's wrapping a gift or picking out a turkey – that the average person feels completely inadequate," she says. "In addition, we have turned into a society of instant gratification. If we want something, we buy it. If our kids want something, we buy it for them. This makes holiday gift giving especially stressful as we try desperately to find gifts for people who already have everything!"

Rocks also says it has become a status symbol to be overwhelmed and over-committed. "It somehow makes us feel important, but ultimately, it has made us unhappy," she says.

Susman agrees. "We are affected by the media and what we assume are other's expectations," she says. "We allow ourselves to be judged by the 'theys' in our world. There is no one right way to celebrate the holidays."

Increased stress can lead to health problems. "Supposedly, 90 percent of everything a doctor sees is stress related," says Susman. "This doesn't mean that stress causes you to catch a cold, but stress does affect your immune system, which makes you easy prey to colds, flu, even cancer."

According to Susman, indicators that you may need to reduce your stress level include headaches, stomachaches, irritability, teeth grinding, lack or increased appetite, insomnia and forgetfulness. "Stress can also lead to increased smoking, drinking, eating and drug abuse," says Susman. "Interestingly, the stress response soon becomes the stressor. For instance, planning a big party can lead to sleeplessness. Sleeplessness, or insomnia, now is the source of worry. 'What if I can't fall asleep?'"

Want to see more?

• Celebrating Thanksgiving with New Eaters: What Foods Should Be on Baby's Holiday Plate?
• December Birthdays for Baby: How to Make Holiday-time Birthdays Special for Babies and Toddlers
• Lasting Traditions: Creating Holiday Keepsakes for Baby
• New Baby, New Holiday Traditions: How to Combine Traditions to Work for Your Family
• Join the discussion on our Family.com community!

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