For many people, the winter holidays can be one of the happiest times of the year. But the busy holiday season also can leave others feeling overwhelmed and tired. If you fall into the second group, here are some suggestions to help you rein in holiday stress:

 

• Create a budget. Plan your gift giving and establish a budget in advance.
• Don’t worry about finding the perfect gift. Ask people what they want instead of searching for the perfect gift. Try to shop early and stick to your budget.
• Plan family get-togethers. Consider buying some prepared foods — this way you don’t have to cook for everyone yourself. Ask others to bring their favorite dishes and lighten your load.
• Schedule time with family and friends. Allow time for yourself to do things that you enjoy. Give yourself time to relax and recover after extended visits.
• Manage your time. Set priorities and write them down. Don’t set impossible goals and don’t over commit yourself. Listen to your body: if you are feeling overwhelmed rest when your body tells you to.

 

The Holiday Blues
While an enjoyable time of year for many, for some the holidays can be a time of sadness. Feelings of loneliness and anger can intensify when contrasted with the joyful expectations of the holidays. Here are some tips to help you deal with holiday blues:1

• Find support. Seek help from a partner, family member, friend, counselor or doctor. Talking about your feelings can often lighten the burden you may feel.
• Connect socially. Try not to isolate yourself. Take a vacation with a family member or friend; spend time with people who care about you; volunteer your time to help others. Spending time with those in need helps them while making you feel less isolated.
• Take care of yourself.◦Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out — treat yourself to a therapeutic massage.
• Maintain a normal routine.

Getting Your Home Ready
Are you preparing for guests this holiday season? Is your home ready? Whether your guests are staying for the day or longer, the following checklist may help make your home safer, more comfortable and help reduce stress as you prepare for the holidays.

Holiday checklist

Entrance

• Keep all walkways, steps and porches free of ice and snow.
• Make sure all outdoor lighting is functioning properly and is turned on at dusk.
• Establish a place to collect all winter weather apparel, especially boots, where people won’t be likely to trip over them.

Living Area

• If your guests have young children make sure you childproof your home.2
• Make sure all smoke detectors are working properly.
• Keep all areas free of clutter and well lit to reduce tripping hazards.

Bathrooms

• Keep any medication somewhere inaccessible to guests, especially children.
• Check safety rails in tub and shower enclosure to make sure they are secure.
• Use non-skid bath mats to reduce the likelihood of a slip.

Kitchen

• Make sure any foods that are cooking are never left unattended.
• Make sure all food is stored away from cleaning materials and that drawers are closed after use.
• Make sure any knives or cooking utensils are out of reach of children.
• Wipe up any spills immediately.

Guest rooms

• Make sure to have nightlights throughout your home. Guests can easily become disoriented in a dark, unfamiliar place.
• Secure or remove any area throw rugs.

Is your coverage ready for the holidays?
While you are making your home safer for family and guests, it is also a good time to review your homeowners insurance. Call me today to discuss and we can make sure you have the coverage you want.