Many of us are acutely aware that despite Christmas being considered a time of joy it can also be a time of heightened stress and anxiety. This is especially true for people with limited financial resources, families of divorce or separation, or families who are experiencing estrangement or discourse among family members. Sometimes we aim to just get through the season.

The following is a list of strategies that can help ease some of the stress and anxiety.

1. ADJUST YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Having expectations that everything is going to go well and all your preparations and efforts will be well received can open the door to disappointment. People don't always respond the way we think they're going to. Thinking: "David is going to LOVE this!" or "Let's take the kids to see all the lights, that's what we always when I was growing up", may have you feeling overwhelmed with disappointment because you didn't get the response you expected.

2. REMEMBER THAT IT'S OK TO SIMPLIFY

I used to feel that good mothers did lots of baking at Christmas, decorated their house beautifully, sent out cards, did lots of entertaining and had home made food or gifts to give away. I would start feeling stressed by December 1 thinking of all that I should be accomplishing. Since letting go of many of the "shoulds" I've come to enjoy Christmas so much more and I'm a lot more fun to be around.

3. REACH OUT TO PEOPLE THAT HAVE NOTHING

It is often suggested that one way of taking the focus off your lack of money or resources is to volunteer some time around Christmas with those who have nothing or no one to share the time with. When we give of ourselves we get so much more in return.

4. LIMIT THE NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES

We are bombarded with special events around Christmas. Apart from things we get invited to attend, the offerings around the city are endless. Remember that young children become over stimulated very easily and often can't handle a lot of different activities and too many breaks from their routine. Dealing with a lot of temper tantrums around the holidays is not fun for anyone.

5. FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS RATHER THAN PROBLEMS

When we focus on the way we wish things were we find ourselves anxious and often depressed. We can always choose to instead focus on what IS and asking: "How can I make the very best with what we have?" We can expend a lot of energy wishing things were different. We can use that energy to make the best of our present situation and express gratitude for what we have instead of what we don't have.

Barbara Desmarais is a parenting coach and mother to two teenagers. She is the author of "Raise Your Children But Not Your Voice." She has been working with parents for seventeen years.

http://www.theparentingcoach.com barb@theparentingcoach.com 604-624-1783