(ARA) - It's ironic that a time traditionally associated with good cheer and jolly times can turn into a virtual nervous breakdown for so many of us. "High expectations paint the holidays as a time of fun and joy, and when people don't feel this way they then feel even worse because they somehow aren't living up to an idyllic portrait of the season," says Dr. Jim Wasner, dean of the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University/Schaumburg (Chicago Northwest).
Experts in the areas of family psychology, personal finance, home decorating, and health have come up with some sensible tips they hope will provide some comfort and joy to the faithless, weary, and frazzled this holiday season.
Family Burnout: Home for the Holidays
The classic movie "It's a Wonderful Life" portrays idealized images of family harmony during the holidays: everybody gathered around a piano and roaring fireplace, singing carols, merrily laughing and drinking eggnog -- with every family member present. "In the past, the holiday season was a way for families to take a break from their difficult work life and come together in celebration," says Dr. Wasner. "But the reality for most families is that there is a considerable amount of stress surrounding the holidays."
When a family comes together for the holidays, some members simply don't get along with each other for a variety of reasons. To avoid ruining a family gathering, Dr. Wasner suggests that you think of holiday visits more like a special ritual, such as a wedding or birthday party. "It's fine to be on your best behavior and not deal with hurts or grudges because of the special event. If you are not on the best terms with a relative and feel like you need to talk to them about it, I recommend you do it one-on-one before the holiday visit, either on the phone, by mail or for shorter visits," advises Dr. Wasner. If that is not possible, there is nothing wrong with setting limits on the time that you spend with that relative.
Money: The Root of All Holiday Evil?
Money may make the world go round, but it can also make one's head spin, especially when it comes time for shopping for holiday gifts, party preparations, and travel. "Having the amount you need for holiday spending already saved when the holidays arrive will relieve much of the financial stress of the season," says Gary Morgan, senior accounting faculty member at Brown Mackie College -- Akron.
He suggests creating a personal holiday budget plan -- the sooner the better. "I suggest a holiday budget be prepared as early as possible in the calendar year," explains Morgan. "Determine your gift list, and assign maximum dollar amounts to this list, entertaining, travel, and charitable donations."
Be realistic and do not underestimate, cautions Morgan. Add these figures and divide by the number of weeks remaining before the spending actually begins. Each week, set this money in a savings account. So the earlier in the year one starts this process, the less he or she needs to set aside each week, and less stress will mount as the holidays approach.
Home Decorating: Start Around the House
"The main stresses behind holiday home decorating would be money, time management, and selecting a theme," says Wayne Wiram, ASID, interior design instructor at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. But Wiram suggests looking around the house first before venturing out to the stores. "Many items stored away in your home, including hidden or stored antiques, fabrics, drapery and upholstery trims, and old hats, can be decorated with your own personal style. Greens, trims, ribbon, fabric and other things can be used to enhance these items," says Wiram. Crates, baskets, barrels and other 'around the house' items will save you money and time since you don't have to shop for them.
Depending on geography, one can recycle items found outside in the backyard to decorate the inside and help create that perfect holiday decorating theme -- while making it truly unique to your habitat. For example, in cold snowy areas, trimmings could be bare branches, evergreens, holly and magnolia leaves. In the southwest, cuttings would be evergreens, palm fronds, magnolia, rosemary and eucalyptus (the last two being fragrant). "Areas that you may wish to add other decorations to include windows, doors, railings, walls, and mantels," advises Wiram. "These are fantastic areas to use your yard trimmings in wreaths, swags, garlands and sprays."
Health: Like a Bowlful of Jelly
Santa Claus isn't the only one who has to worry about a big belly during the holidays. Betsy Kawecki, MSN, ARNP, nursing faculty member at South University -- West Palm Beach, believes that major health complaints that surface during holidays, such as gaining weight, are a result of extremes in behavior. "Overeating leads to indigestion as a result of increased proportions of food and indulging in foods with a high degree of fat," explains Kawecki. She suggests that attitude plays a significant part on dieting expectations and actions. "If you view the holiday season as the last hurrah, you will overindulge and gain weight. Remember that fat and jolly' is an oxymoron."
Kawecki says that during the holidays, maintain health-promoting behaviors, but be flexible. Exercise by speed-shopping in the malls instead your usual walk around the block. Maintain a normal healthy diet and eat your five fruits and vegetables a day, especially on party days. Be a healthy host or hostess by cooking low-fat, presenting food in various locations to promote mingling and not just eating, and making portions small.
"Pacing oneself is essential," says Kawecki. "The holiday season involves more than one day. With holiday shopping, decorating, parties, feasts, and traveling people should worry most about trying to keep balance in their lives and maintaining healthy habits."
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About The Author
Courtesy of ARA Content
EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information, contact Mark C. Toth, EDMC Public Relations Specialist, (412) 995-7263, mtoth@edmc.edu. The parent company of The Art Institutes, Argosy University, South University, and Brown Mackie College system of schools, Education Management Corporation (www.edmc.com) is among the largest providers of private post-secondary education in North America, based on student enrollment and revenue. Student enrollment exceeded 66,000 as of fall 2004. EDMC has 67 primary campus locations in 24 states and two Canadian provinces. EDMC's education institutions offer a broad range of academic programs concentrated in the media arts, design, fashion, culinary arts, behavioral sciences, health sciences, education, information technology and business fields, culminating in the award of associate's through doctoral degrees. EDMC has provided career-oriented education for over 40 years.
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