Our Opinion: Extension offers tips to ease tension for holidays

Friday, November 16, 2012

Are the approaching holidays a time of anticipation or anxiety?

Next week, Sunday through Nov. 24, marks the observance of National Families Week. During the week, many families will gather Thursday to celebrate Thanksgiving.

But the Norman Rockwell image of eager family members gathered for a feast and fellowship in a cozy environment does not always reflect reality.

For people who associate the holidays with tension rather than tranquility, the Building Strong Families program offers some encouraging words.

The program is part of the University of Missouri Extension and is coordinated by Lucy Schrader.

“The holidays are a high-stress time,” Schrader said, “due to more obligations on the calendar, the blending of cultures or families who may not get along, overwhelming financial stress and high expectations for traditions.”

The holiday to-do list may include: shop for gifts, prepare a covered dish, host a gathering, purchase a new outfit, attend a party, clean the house for company, travel, wrap presents, buy groceries and more.

How can family members manage stress? Schrader offers the following recommendations:

• Try to celebrate one good thing each day, whether being ready to leave on time or sharing daily events.

• Discuss changes in schedules or possible conflicts that may affect upcoming events.

• Be respectful and kind to family members who may be struggling with changes or other circumstances.

• Be realistic about what to prioritize and what can be skipped or postponed.

Stress, tension and anxiety often are byproducts of feeling overwhelmed.

And feeling overwhelmed is a natural reaction when schedules overflow, responsibilities multiply and expectations mount.

Patience and a positive attitude may be easier said than done, but they invite holiday merriment rather than misery.

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JCLifer 6 months, 1 week ago

3 or 4 glasses of Jack Daniels on ice each night does a whole lot to ease the tensions around my house. Sure it is expensive, but for about six weeks it does a good job of easing stress.

eileen10 6 months, 1 week ago

Yikes. That's a lot of booze. If you drink through a straw the effects hit faster and you might be able to get away with half the amount. At least that's how it worked for me back in my drinking days.

Paroquet 6 months, 1 week ago

I keep a gallon of homemade hard cider on hand for the same reason. A nice tall one and about a half hour in the shop, your head's back to a little less than a half bubble off plumb. Slow things down in the brain pan so you can go back to taking it a step at a time instead of not being able to find your backside with both hands...which is why I like my low-octane cider--I don't go all "chimp with rabies on 'roids". BTDT, learned.

eileen10 6 months, 1 week ago

OMG. What can I say except...oh.Okay. Are you from England?

rodinman 6 months, 1 week ago

I prefer an hour or so walk with my dogs or an hour or two bicycle ride.

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