By Rita R. Robison, Blogging at The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Guest Blogger

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day, a celebration that often brings great joy as baby boomer families and friends gather to share their lives and give thanks in traditional ways.

Thursday, boomer consumers will plunge into the holiday season

Often times, the holiday season becomes so busy that excitement and joy turns into stress and even depression.

Here are tips for reducing holiday stress that I’ve used throughout the years:

• Make a budget for the holiday season and stick to it. It will help reduce financial worries and stress. Since we’re in a severe recession, family members and friends may be more willing to talk about scaling back on present giving costs.

• Buy as many gifts as you can before those last store-crowded shopping days, and use the Internet NOW for shopping before you’ll be required to pay high shipping costs. If you shop on the Internet, you can compare prices and find coupons. See my articles “Tips for Baby Boomers for Holiday Shopping” and “Opportunities Abound for Baby Boomers to Cut Costs With Internet Coupons.”

• Evaluate your holiday plans to determine if you can find ways to cut costs or stressors. Give up on the idea of buying the perfect gift for everyone, and ask family members to bring side dishes for the big celebration dinner.

• Remember to carry out and establish new, easy traditions. I like to buy one ornament for the tree each year. It’s fun to talk about when the different ornaments were purchased and which is the favorite of the children and grandchildren.

• Take time to rest and relax. If you’re exhausted and the big day is still a couple of weeks away, reevaluate. Cut out projects or events, put your feet up, and unwind.

• Be flexible. Things may be changing for you as a boomer because your parents or grandparents aren’t able to host holiday gatherings or they may have passed away. Adult children may live around the country, so it’s not possible to celebrate together. Your spouse or partner may have died, or you may be divorced or single. You’ll need to think of new ways to find joy and establish new traditions.

• Figure out a way to help others. Buy food or gifts for a needy family, or find organizations that people here or abroad and make a contribution.

• Say no if you’re beginning to feel panicky. Work to get done what you can each day, and delete tasks and eliminate events to reduce stress.

• Be sure to experience much joy and fun. It’s what the holiday season is about.

Here are articles with more suggestions to help boomer consumers enjoy holiday season by reducing stress and depression.

“How to Avoid Holiday Stress and Depression” – eHow

“Avoid Holiday Stress – Start Now!” – Dr. David Posen

“Three Ways to Avoid Christmas Stress with Your Aging Parents” – Aging Parents Authority

“Stress, Depression and the Holidays: 12 Tips for Coping” – MayoClinic.com

“Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress” – WebMD

“Avoid Holiday Burnout: Four Keys to Sane and Healthy Holidays” – MedicineNet.com

“How to Avoid Three of the Top Causes of Holiday Stress” – Ezine Holiday Articles

“Managing Holiday Stress” – Cleveland Clinic

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