| Imagine the holidays filled with love, peace and | | | | better yet, give them to a trusted friend or |
| laughter. In today's hectic world, having a stress | | | | family member to hold until the holidays are over. |
| free holiday is a rarity. Now more than ever, you | | | | What good is it for you to go into debt to buy |
| need to be equipped with strategies such as the | | | | gifts, then when the bills roll in, you are all |
| holiday stress relief tips I'm about to share. These | | | | stressed out because you are indebted to visa, |
| holiday stress relief tips will help you make it | | | | MasterCard and American Express? |
| through the most pressure filled time of the year. | | | | Purchase holiday dinner items that have a shelf life |
| Due to the overwhelming pressures caused by | | | | in advance (ex: cranberry sauce, muffin mix, etc). |
| television, radio and in print advertisements, the | | | | This will eliminate the stress of extensive grocery |
| holidays become the most stressful time of year. | | | | shopping during the holidays. |
| Every time you turn around, there's an | | | | Volunteer your time with a family as opposed to |
| advertisement for the latest electronic gadget and | | | | giving gifts during the holidays. You will discover |
| on top of that, those irresistible sales seem to | | | | how blessed you really are and that all of the |
| keep popping up everywhere. | | | | "stuff" you get during the holidays is not all that |
| Beat holiday stress by following these holiday | | | | important. |
| stress relief tips: | | | | If you are going to give gifts, do a Secret Santa. |
| | | | The idea is for everyone to give just one gift by |
| Allocate a specific amount of money to your | | | | drawing a name out of a bag, hat etc. This kind |
| monthly budget to make allowances for gifts, | | | | of gift giving really minimizes your stress levels. |
| decorations and food during the holidays. If you | | | | You're only shopping for one! |
| aren't living on a budget, this is a good time to | | | | Finally, while spending time with family can be |
| start. After determining the portion of your | | | | rewarding, it can also be stressful, especially if you |
| income that is to be allocated toward bills, savings | | | | have a big family. After the holiday festivities |
| and other expenses, add a budget line for holiday | | | | come to a close, unwind with a relaxing hot bath |
| expenses and use that money for the sole | | | | and inhale the scents from soothing aromatherapy |
| purpose of spending for the holidays. Saving your | | | | oils or candles. |
| holiday funds in a Christmas Club account at your | | | | As you can see, there are a number of things |
| bank is a great idea to keep you from spending it | | | | you can do to prevent and ease stress |
| on other items. | | | | associated with the holidays. The holiday stress |
| Avoid using credit cards during the holidays. It's | | | | relief tips mentioned above are sure to be helpful |
| not impossible if you leave the cards at home or | | | | in reducing your stress levels. |