Holiday Season of Stress

The Holiday Season is meant to bring cheer and joy, it’s also the harbinger of holiday stress for many.

Tis the season to be jolly-so why are so many people unhappy or stressed when it's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year? According to a survey by the American Psychological Association stress levels increase during the Holiday Season. I spoke with some Meridians to see their perspective on why.

Resident Christina Bradley said, “I do think it’s taking an effect on people and it does make it stressful to people who you know want their family to have a good holiday.”

A study done by the American Psychological Association revealed the top-rated stressors were, lack of time, money worries, and the over-commercialization of gift-giving.

“People are out trying to find the perfect gift and it gets so commercialized and they left got out of it and that’s the whole reason for the season,” Stated Donna Robinson.

“I do think it can be stressful especially now during the time where people don’t have as much money and the economy and gas prices and things of that nature,” said Bradley.

Meridian residents share ways they cope and avoid being stressed during the Holiday Season

Bradley said, “I just limit my spending, try to look for the best sales and things of that nature to just make sure that I actually tell them that Jesus is actually the reason for the season and it’s not about gifts.”

For some people that doing around when it’s the holidays I’d out after the holidays are over and I do the sales and I’ve already got my Christmas shopping done for Christmas,” said Ashley Johnson.

Robinson said, “It’s not easy just get what you can and don’t worry about the rest.”

Resident Ashley Greenwood-Gregory said, “ Due to holiday stress happening in my household, put Christ in Christmas, merchandise second and people third.”

By taking steps to prevent holiday stress like budgeting, planning ahead, and some positive thinking, you may find peace and joy during the holidays