9 Tips for dealing with the holidays

With the uncertainty and outlook of the US Economy, it is unclear how the future direction of the country will affect the holiday season.

The holidays are supposed to be a time of cheer with family and friends gathering to celebrate. It can also be a time of stress with trying to purchase last minute items, cleaning the house, and traveling. These factors can bring about an overwhelming feeling of stress and depression instead of happiness.

A 2023 American Psychological Association poll found 41% of adults reported that their stress level increases during the holiday season.

In the latter part of 2025, considering layoffs, rising grocery prices, and political unrest, here are 9 tips for dealing with the holidays.

• Put yourself first

  Finding the right exercise for you is essential. Whether it involvess taking a walk or simply staying active throughout the day, the key is to keep moving. Alongside exercise, it is also important to focus on eating healthier. Before attending any event or gathering that involves food, fill up with healthy snacks or fruits and vegetables. Additionally, get plenty of sleep. It is just as important to get a good night (or day) sleep.

• Be realistic

  This also means being true to yourself. If you cannot afford to take a dish over to a gathering, let them know. You can choose to go or not. Make your choice if you want to go to one gathering or more. If you don't want to go, it is okay to decline. (Now, when you decline, you must figure out what an alternative could be-keep yourself busy.)

• Simplify travel ahead of time

  People don't always realize how stressful traveling can be especially around the holiday season. If you must travel, think about ways that you can make it as easy as possible. Try to get direct flights or at least minimize the number of flights along the way. Avoiding the need to rush between flights or endure long waiting times is especially helpful when many people are traveling during the holidays. If you are driving from one gathering to another, if possible, limit your driving to one or two events that you truly want to attend.

• Plan your spending

  With a lot of people living from paycheck to paycheck, or facing unemployment, plan on a budget. If buying gifts is not an option, you could try creating something special instead, like a DIY project, handmade jewelry, crochet, or even sending a photo of you both with a heartfelt message. Be creative. Remember to prioritize paying your bills, especially essentials like electricity, rent, mortgage, or car payments.

• Learn to accept differences

  This comes up a lot at gatherings during the holidays. If someone is unhappy, they tend to leave upset.  There will always be family members who will have different viewpoints than your own. Try your best to let it go this holiday season. Emphasize what you have in common and channel any tension into something constructive.

  
  

• Volunteering

  Have you noticed that older adults at retirement age often volunteer? It can be rewarding and very fulfilling. People tend to maintain satisfaction and feel a sense of purpose when volunteering. Research volunteer opportunities during these times and check on what is available. Perhalps you will find people just as lonely during the holidays too.

  
  

• Reach out

  You never know what someone is going through except you reach out. Contact local support groups, hospitals, therapists, churches, e.t.c., and see if there are programs in your area that allow you to reach out to others who are in the same situation. Believe it or not, the holidays can be isolating. Even friends and loved ones may need someone to check on them.

• Drink alcohol responsibly if you have to drink.

  "When it comes to holidays, the period that starts before Christmas and ends on New Year’s Day accounts for some of the highest incidents of binge drinking and related public health problems," according to alcohol.org. People tend to drink more around the holidays. If you have to drink, do it in moderation.

• Take a BREAK

  There is always this perceived rush to get things done to meet deadlines during the holidays. Take some time out-REST TO RESET.

  Relax. Read a good book. Light some candles. Take a long walk. Take a BREAK.

Lastly, even with these 9 tips for dealing with the holidays, we sometimes don't pay attention to those who are not having a good cheer. It could be from a recent death (or military deployment or long-distance move), divorce or separation, e.t.c., and the realization that certain special people will not be celebrating with them this year.

If you are feeling isolated or alone, reach out to your support network. If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, or suicidal thoughts, call 988.

1. American Psychological Association. Even a joyous holiday season can cause stress for most Americans. Nov. 30, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress

2.Famous Quotes on Self-Care and Well-Being - Center for the Advancement of Well-Being

3.Holiday Binge Drinking: Statistics & Data