The holidays can bring joy, but they can also bring stress. Whether you're worried about money, gift-giving, or finding enough time to get everything done, the following coping mechanisms can help you manage and reduce your holiday stress.
- Get organized - Writing down the things you need to do or places you need to be can help you visualize your to-do list and make it seem much more manageable.
- Know that it's OK to say "no" - if attending an event that isn't important to you will interfere with you getting work done or running errands, just say "no" politely.
- Create and stick to a budget - Money is one of the biggest holiday stressors for people. Set a realistic budget this holiday season and don't go over it.
- Ask for help when you need it - You don't have to decorate, wrap presents, or cook by yourself. Ask friends or family members to help you complete these tasks.
- Focus on what really matters - People who focus on activities with others and relationships during the holidays report more happiness than those who focus on gift-giving.
Most Common Causes of Holiday Stress
![Not having enough money](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5b3f6860fa3aa956567733e7/5d669766b07264025ac77ce0_Not%20having%20enough%20money.jpg)
![Too much to do](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5b3f6860fa3aa956567733e7/5d6697954531524ef29ca161_Too%20much%20to%20do.jpg)
![Crowds](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5b3f6860fa3aa956567733e7/5d6697b45e626fb0932a74b2_Crowds.jpg)