If you find yourself sleeping less and worrying more during the holidays, you’re not alone. Feeling overwhelmed is a common feeling during the holidays, which drains the joy away from what makes the holiday season so special. If you’re one of those people who worries about the shopping, cookie exchange, and arriving guests, I encourage you to let go of that burden and focus on what brings true joy during the holidays. Letting go of perfection and focusing on enjoying and expe

The holidays are a special time full of magic, friendship, and family. This time together is great when everyone gets along, but for some, family time brings stress and excessive drama. You may be well versed in your family’s personal drama because you grew up with it and accept your relatives as they are, but when you encounter your spouse’s family drama, you aren’t so understanding or accepting. In-law drama causes a majority of marital conflict during the holiday season. I

You may have dismissed it as being a made-up idea, but cuffing season is real and often begins in November. Just when you thought you’d stay home by the fire and enjoy your pumpkin-spiced latte, you get a text from someone who seems to really be into you. But is it sincere, or are they looking for a temporary relationship during the holidays? Cuffing season is a time when people who enjoy being single suddenly desire a serious relationship. Normally, you may be content being

One in three Americans are suffering from what experts have coined “Festive Holiday Burnout.” A recent study surveyed 2,000 Americans, and 68% said they see Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas as high stress times. One third of those surveyed said they burned out before Christmas comes. The survey also revealed that most stress comes from the crowds and shopping. Compound this with excessive baking, shipping, decorating, and hosting, and you have the perfect recipe for irr

Ribbons, wrappings, and bows are beautiful, but once you open the package and see the gift the moment of sheer happiness is short-lived. Psychology research has shown that experiences bring more happiness than possessions. Anticipation of the experience brings joy to the giver as well as the receiver of the gift. Sharing experiences is also better for your mental health. They’re associated with your values, effort, ability to connect, and good old-fashioned social interaction

The majority of people know of at least one or two people who are estranged from their family. It’s painful for all parties involved and difficult to resolve. Many things lead to estrangement; disagreements about values, divorce, violence, substance abuse, mental illness, personality disorders that were unknown, and betrayal. For the most part, affected families suffer in silence, feeling embarrassed about their loved one’s estrangement or rejection from their family. The rej

For many, going home for the holidays is a happy time including laughter, intimate discussions, fond memories and the warmth of being together. Unfortunately, for some this is not their experience. Instead, they recall fights, caustic words yelled carelessly, and rough touches. They dread the holidays, they dread leaving work, and they dread the conversations forced upon them. When the people who are supposed to love you, don’t, or the ones you share your last name with humil

My friend’s daughter had glanced at the news while she was playing and suddenly ran to her mother and asked, “Mommy, what if Santa can’t afford Christmas this year?” She had seen the affects in the aftermath of Harvey and was concerned after her own family had suffered damage due to the storm. Not wanting to lie to your children but also not wanting to scare them, it’s important that parents be honest and explain that times are tough right now. Many families are trying to res

Because being a stepparent around the holidays isn't easy. More than fifty percent of children in the U.S. are raised in single-parent families. This can cause tension and stress during the holidays because kids may join their other biological parent — the one they don't live with — to celebrate. Often, this parent has another family. Blending families is never easy. In fact, the leading cause of divorce among second marriages is due to the child relationships involved. But b

The holidays are supposed to be joyful, bringing couples closer together. In reality, many couples become stressed or depressed during the holidays. Unresolved issues often carry into the new year, which is why January through March have the highest number of divorces. Due to Harvey, this year has been especially trying on relationships, leaving couples feeling stressed and overwhelmed emotionally and financially. However, having an action plan can help calm the stress of the