(1888PressRelease)
December 07, 2007 - Whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, or just go with the flow during the month of December, it can be the happiest time of the year and it can also the most stressful. “I never seem to have enough time to get everything done during the holidays. Some years just getting my Christmas cards out on time is more than I can handle” says author of The Christmas Survival Kit, Pam Sargant. “Money, shopping, visiting, decorating, money, baking, cleaning, working, money, Santa lists, Santa photos, money…did I miss anything? I probably did!”
Sargant is not alone. Many people experience above average levels of stress during the holidays. According to the American Psychological Association “Americans list lack of money (61%), the pressures of gift giving (42%), lack of time (34%) and credit card debt (23%) as top causes of holiday stress. Survey results also show that younger Americans are more worried about lack of money (81%) and gift giving (54%) compared to people over the age of 35.”
The APA goes on to say that “one in five Americans are worried that holiday stress could affect their physical health and 36% say they either eat (22%) or drink alcohol (14%) to cope with holiday stress. Others rely on exercise (45%) and religious and spiritual activities (44%) to relieve stress. And 14% turn to massage and yoga.”
No matter what you celebrate, family and children seem to be the main focus and Sargant’s book contains many activities you can share with your children. There are decorations, gift ideas and coloring pages. “In the process of bonding with your children, you will also save some money and believe it or not relieve some of your stress” says Sargant. She suggests that nothing releases stress more than an uninterrupted hour playing and creating with your children.
