1. Take time for you! Take 30 minutes to go for a walk, read a book or go for coffee with a friend. You will find yourself feeling more energized and better able to tackle any holiday errands you may have to accomplish.
2. Start a holiday family tradition. This doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – it could be a baking day, holiday craft making, skating, a games night or playing in the yard building snowmen. The key is to get the whole family involved.
3. Make a list! The holiday demands can be overwhelming: shopping, baking, cooking, socializing with friends and family. Start small and identify one task you can do today.
4. Don’t put too much on your plate because of someone else’s expectations. If you have things over the holidays that you are not enjoying and are creating stress for you, it may be time to stop doing them.
5. Stay within your budget. It can be easy to get caught-up in the season and feel pressured to purchase extravagant gifts. Determine how much you can spend and stick with the plan!
6. Choose a ‘value’ gift. During a family meal ask everyone what gift they would give the family for the upcoming year – courage, hope, love, humour, determination, happiness, or lending a hand.  Then decide one thing each family member will do as a way to make that gift come alive over the holiday season.
7. Exercise on the big holiday days. A walk, sledding, snowshoeing, a hike, cross-country skiing, playing Dance Dance Revolution, skating – whatever fits for you or your family.
8. Stick to routine. It’s easy to fall out of the daily routine (e.g., bedtime, mealtimes, expectations) over the holidays but everyone enjoys the season more when they are rested and have consistency.
9. Limit screen time. This is true for young people as well as adults. Our screen time often increases during the winter months and when children are not in school. Decide as a family what the screen time limits will be before the holidays and stick to it!
10. The holidays can be a stressful time – reach out for support if/when you need it. Wood’s Homes is here for you before, during and after the holidays:

Eastside Family Centre – no charge walk-in therapy

• #255, 295-36 Street NE, Calgary
• Call 403-299-9696 to inquire about the holiday hours

The Community Resource Team – 24/7 crisis and family support

• Call: 403-299-9699 / 1-800-563-6106
• Text: 587-315-5000 (9am-10pm MST)
• Chat: woodshomes.ca/crisis

*Crisis Counsellors are available 365 days/year to anyone who is looking for support around a variety of concerns such as family/relationship conflict, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, addictions, and parenting struggles.