Content Overview 
- Summary
- Revise holiday activities to fit your current physical and emotional condition and to include people you care about. Don't over extend yourself..
- Look at past holiday stressors to see what has previously helped you cope and move forward.
- If you are in treatment, talk to your doctor about taking time off during the holidays or changing your schedule.
- Keep your expectations realistic.
- Prioritize your activities.
- If you're not physically or emotionally up to going shopping, or you are not allowed in holiday crowds, shop online or from catalogues.
- If a money crunch is causing stress, focus on the real meaning of the holiday. Reign in spending with a budget.
- Live healthy. Don't over indulge. Exercise. Get rest.
- If you are dealing with grief, use the holidays to help finish your grieving.
- Share your feelings. As Art Linkletter said, "Laughter is the best medicine." It's okay to cry.
- Build in alone time
- Practice forgiveness
- If you're lonely... get busy. Consider volunteering.
- Accept what you can't change.
- If you make resolutions, keep them doable.
- Practice coping mechanisms, including renewing spirituality.
- If seasonal decrease in sunlight causes you to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), get treatment.
- If you are going to travel, talk with your doctor about any special travel needs. Prepare.
- Use the holiday as a time to share memories and to make new ones.
- If none of the above work for you, call your doctor or other medical practitioner.
How To Cope With Holiday Stress & Depression & Colorectal Cancer
If a money crunch is causing stress, focus on the real meaning of the holiday. Reign in spending with a budget.
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A holiday is not about the cost of a gift, or the amount of expensive decorations, or how much you spent on the dinner. It’s about the people. It’s about the meaning of the holiday. It’s about being together, sharing good times and creating happy memories.
Spending too much money can lead to its own post-holiday stress. The best technique for reigning in spending is to create a budget – and stick to it. Starting the tradition of a “Secret Santa” or family name draw can help with that budget and still keep things festive.
Consider making gifts yourself. Anything you took the time to do yourself and give from the heart shows someone you’re thinking of them, and is always appreciated.
Look for holiday activities that are free or low cost such as carol services at local churches or window shopping to see the decorations.
If you have children, talk to them about the meaning and history of the holiday you are celebrating. Encourage them to make presents at home and help them do so. This can be a great opportunity to start a new tradition, spend quality time with your children, and make some fun memories.
While not specific to the holidays, it might help to read our article about:: How To Deal With A Financial Crunch.