The holiday season can be a stressful time as people rush to buy gifts, bake, prepare meals, make travel plans, and ready themselves for guests. Finances can also add to stress levels if people are trying to buy gifts or make holiday arrangements on a tight budget. Also, added to the mix is the stress of sometimes dealing with relatives who may have too much to drink or are argumentative at family gatherings.

A luncheon was held on Saturday on the topic of “De-Stress, Not Distress for the Holidays!” It was held at the Choices Counseling Center and hosted by the Mineral County Local Advisory Committee (LAD) and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Superior (DBSA). With the help of Nancy Smith from Choices Counseling, Leanne Anderson the president of LAD and Dawn Sandberg with DBSA.

The talk provided tools and tips for making the holiday season one of “peace and joy”. Ideas were shared on ways to avoid chaos, stress management and the practice of slowing down over the holiday season to enjoy it to the fullest.

“We can’t change the circumstances that surround us but we can change how we react,” said Smith. “We can choose to be miserable and irritated, or we can choose to be positive and calm and choose happiness.”

She went on to talk about how stress does not have to a part of the holiday season, “by taking positive steps now you can reduce stress and make it a lovely time of the year. One of the first things you can do is make a choice before you even get out of bed and say to yourself, “I’m going to be happy today”.

One way to reduce that stress is how individuals react to each other. If a person reacts to a negative comment or action, they are automatically giving the other person the power. “But if you choose to remain calm and take control of that interaction then you maintain the power. You can choose how to react,” she said.

Other’s at the luncheon provided inspirational stories and advise. Anderson said some of her best memories when her family was on a tight budget was that they had a gingerbread house decorating contest. It didn’t cost much and made fond memories for time spent with the family.

She also talked about having high expectations during the holidays, “if you don’t have those expectations then you won’t have the disappointments.”

Also, in order to have a special occasion people need to prepare for it, “we need to be on our own best behavior and prepare for the possibility of a relative who may have too much to drink or one who may try to start an argument,” Anderson said.

Some other tips to get through the holiday season is to start new traditions. If old ones cause sadness or make you unhappy, then start something new. Also, if you are feeling lonely, reach out to groups and organizations who can offer support.

Decorating can be another stressful part of the holiday and it is advised to do it gradually, “consider how much time you have realistically and set up a schedule for doing it,” was advise given in a handout provided at the luncheon.

Other ways to combat stress including planning ahead and getting as much shopping, cooking and gift wrapping done ahead of time, as possible. Also, if travel plans are too stressful, skip the trip and stay home. Creating and sticking to a budget is also important and try to cut down on the number of events you plan to attend.

There were also destressing exercises people can engage in including listening to soothing music, take time out to relax for example, take a bubble bath, and turn off outside distractions like cellphones, TV, and the computer.

Get plenty of rest and “create your own calm” by writing down what makes the holidays special to you. Look at the list to remind yourself of your holiday goals and choose to be happy.