Holiday stress is nothing unusual. How you decide to handle it is the bigger issue. I’m big on tradition. However, there comes a time when scaling it down, is really okay to do.

                                Holiday Stress and the Age Factor

Let’s explore the effects that holiday stress can have on your health at a certain age. After having over 30 years of getting ready for the holidays, you get to a breaking point. It’s not easy anymore, getting bins down from the attic, sorting through them and displaying holiday items for maybe 6 weeks at best.

At least for me, the prep work involved is a little more than what others might do. Clearing space for Christmas decor also involves putting away everyday knick-knacks. At 62, I’ve had my share of prepping. I’ve gotten to the point where I say to myself, is all of this really necessary. The answer is no.

The age factor is a big deal. Your joints and muscles remind you that years have taken their toll. Going up and down steps, bending over and trying to be a contortionist can render great harm to ones self. For that reason alone, age has made me take the decorating down a notch. Less stress number one.

                                          The Empty Nest Factor

Sure the holidays are for everyone, but let’s face it. Christmas has always been about the kids. At least in this household. Well, the kids have been out of here now for a while. Yes, they come to visit, but then they go home. When they were younger and lived here, it surely was a family affair. Everyone helped out. Their anticipation for the holidays was extreme, and led us to be that much more motivated to make it special for them. With an empty nest, some of that just disappears.

Holiday stress pretty much doesn’t exist where there are no longer children present. You don’t have to hide presents, pretend Santa decorated the tree, and display every last piece of holiday decor you own. I cut it back because, I only need so much to look at everyday to know it’s the holiday season. I also don’t need more things to have to dust. Needless to say, those years were the best. Watching the enjoyment on their faces while opening presents, brings back warm memories. It’s just not the same since they left.

                                      You Don’t Display Holiday Spirit

This nation’s commercialization of the holidays, has taken a new low. The spirit of this time of year has gotten lost in inflatable catastrophes sitting on front lawns and strobe lights outside making your home a disco holiday palace. Trees and lights surely don’t define this time of year, but family or friend gatherings do. There is no holiday stress involved if you put the meaning of this time of year in the forefront. The holiday spirit is in the giving of yourself to help others in greater need. Whether it be throwing money in a bucket, dishing out food for those less fortunate, or giving a gift to a child in need, this is where holiday stress doesn’t exist.

Make it more of a spiritual holiday. Don’t stress over Santa figurines and the perfect tree. It’s not about that in the end. Eliminate the stress by focusing on the meaning of it all. I know I will!!