Summary
The holiday season is here, and while it brings joy and connection, it can also bring a lot of stress, especially when finances are involved. Let’s take a refreshing look at how to offset stress, save your wallet, and live a better holiday season.
For many in our community, the holidays mean navigating financial pressure, emotional fatigue, and even cultural expectations.
In 2023, the American Heart Association found that 63% of respondents believe the holiday season to be more stressful than even tax season.
But what if you could reshape this narrative? What if you could approach this season with tools to protect your financial and emotional wellness?
Stress during the holidays is not just about money; it’s about what money represents… love, tradition, or even validation. Centering financial and emotional well-being can help you redefine your relationship with the season and alleviate unnecessary stress.
Redefining Our Relationship With Financial Stress
Let’s face it… financial stress is often a self-imposed pressure. We place expectations on ourselves, influenced by societal norms, advertisements, and even family traditions. The first step in managing holiday stress is to identify these stressors and retrain your mindset.
Licensed professional counselor Arlesha Pugh emphasizes the connection between financial wellness and mental health in our blog article, Money & Mental Reset: A Mindset Interview. She makes it clear that setting boundaries and shifting your focus toward quality time over material gifts alleviates stress and mental distress.
“Develop a deeper relationship with loved ones that doesn’t revolve around money. Create traditions that bring joy without financial strain.” – Arlesha Pugh
This mindset shift isn’t just practical—it’s liberating. Instead of comparing yourself to others or overspending to meet expectations, focus on what truly matters. For example, rather than buying gifts for everyone, try a family Secret Santa or create experiences like baking cookies together, which nurture connection without adding to your expenses.
Don’t forget: the holidays are about more than gifts. Your Guide to Gifting Without the Guilt reminds us that redefining gifting as an intentional, meaningful act can reduce financial and emotional strain. Thoughtful gestures, like creating experience cards for future outings, can bring just as much joy—or more—as expensive presents.
Practical Tools for Holiday Peace
While there’s no magic formula for managing holiday stress, having a plan can make a big difference. Here are four techniques and practices to help you stay grounded:
Stress Management Techniques
1. Holiday “Pause Days”
Schedule one or two “pause days” during the holiday season where you commit to doing nothing holiday-related. No shopping, no cooking, no decorating. Instead, focus on restorative activities like taking a long walk, reading a book, or enjoying a guilt-free nap. This break creates mental clarity and prevents burnout during a busy time.
2. Gratitude Journaling with a Twist
Start a daily practice of jotting down things you’re grateful for, focused specifically on the holidays. For example, write about a small moment that brought you joy or a family tradition that holds meaning. This focused gratitude helps shift the narrative from holiday “tasks” to holiday “blessings.”
Mindfulness Practices
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Have honest conversations with family about expectations. If hosting the big dinner feels overwhelming, suggest a potluck instead. If gifting feels like a burden, propose alternatives like experience-sharing or a “no-gift” holiday focused on time together.
2. Tech-Free Togetherness
Designate specific gatherings or moments during the holidays as tech-free zones. Whether it’s dinner, a game night, or just an hour spent catching up, removing distractions creates deeper connections and promotes mindfulness in how you spend your time with loved ones.
’Tis the Season of Wellness
The holidays don’t have to feel like a sprint to the finish line or a test of financial endurance. By redefining your relationship with financial stress, adopting unique stress management techniques, and practicing mindfulness, you can reclaim the season.
Whether it’s creating new traditions, setting boundaries, or focusing on presence over presents, these tools can help you stay centered and joyful this holiday season.
From your OneUnited Bank family, we wish you love, laughter, and wellness. Keep prioritizing your financial wellbeing, you deserve it. #BankWhereYouWantToBe
