Keeping Calm During The Winter Holiday Rush

Is Your Holiday Season More Hectic Than A Normal Year?

This year certainly has been different than most years when it comes to just about everything, the holidays included. Although we may be spending the holidays apart from many of our loved ones, spending the holidays alone or just with a few people may not seem as attractive as it once was. We find we start to miss that one aunt or uncle we usually could only take in small doses. 

As different as this year is, it is not without stress. It may not be the kind of stress you are used to around this season, but it is there nonetheless. Knowing what may stress you out this year might be key to helping you identify it when it comes and how to handle it. Let’s go over a few stressors we should all be aware of this holiday season.

Key Stressors To Be Aware Of

Worrying About Contracting Or Spreading The Coronavirus To Loved Ones

While many families across the country are canceling their family holiday plans and staying at home, some of us may still be visiting a few of our relatives. No matter how careful we are, there is a risk that you may contract or spread the virus to a family member.

Shopping & Shipping

Some folks may not be into holiday shopping, while others relish the adventure of going from store to store spotting deals and eyeing presents their family and friends would love. This year, a large portion of us will be shopping completely online. This includes some first-time hold-outs who’ve never purchased anything online. Getting overly stressed about shipping times is another thing we can’t and should not try to control. 

Seasonal Depression

All of us can deal with depression at some point in our lives, and the cold weather, gray skies, and holiday rush can bring it out more than other periods in the year. This year, missing out on traditions and not visiting our families is a reality for many of us. Just remember that things being out of the norm this year is temporary and that it will get better.

Not Living Up To Previous Years

Wanting the holidays to be perfect is a factor responsible for stress every year. The 2020 season is particularly stressful for all of us who are just trying to make things as normal as possible. It’s important to recognize if you are putting unreasonable pressure on yourself during this out-of-the-ordinary year.

Changes In Finances

With how much has changed with the work world over the last year, undoubtedly some of us have switched careers, cities, or lifestyles due to changes in finances. It’s crucial to remember that you and your family are so much more than your belongings, professions, or places of residence. 

How To Destress

Reasonable Expectations

One of the most important things you can do for yourself this season is to be reasonable about your holiday expectations. Will the whole family be available like always? Maybe not. And that’s okay. Don’t try to recreate the exact mood of other years. It’s necessary to be realistic. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! It just means you’ll need to adapt to things being a little different this year, and accepting that fact as something normal for all of us. 

Be Nice To Others… And Yourself

They say that the best way to make yourself happy is to make someone else happy. This is especially true this year. In a time when many of us are having a hard time with changes to our lifestyle, giving a little bit more grace to others around us will make the holidays and the world a better place. It’s also okay to go ahead and pamper yourself a bit more than usual. Practicing mindfulness or meditation may also help you regain your calm. 

Make Some New Traditions

You may not be able to take part in many of the holiday traditions you are so used to with your family. You can take this negative and turn it into a positive by creating some completely new traditions. Have you ever made stollen? How about chocolate-covered pretzels? Consider giving back to your community or a family that needs it most. When it comes to creating new traditions at home, the sky’s the limit.

A Little Support From An Old-world Style Apothecary

We understand how difficult celebrating the holidays this year is, and we’re excited to help in whatever way we can. Our high-quality old-world style apothecary is named after the Celtic goddess Danu, who’s name represents water, and by extension, a return to nature and healing. Be sure to check out our entire selection of CBD products that may help you regain your calm and lift your spirits this season.