Thriving During the Holidays

Summary

• Take a friend with you who is aware of your disorder.
• Bring your own meal or snacks if you can.
• Make a list of things to talk about other than food.

The idea of food-filled events excites some people. They enjoy eating tasty foods while talking with family or friends, or meeting new people. If you have an eating disorder though, this thought most likely scares you. What others call a good time, you call a nightmare.

There are ways of getting ready for these events that can really help you. With proper planning, you can learn to cope and maybe even to have some fun.

Be prepared

Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, music fest, or sporting event, food is likely on the menu. Taking some simple steps ahead of time can keep you from stressing out about it.

Here are some helpful ways to prepare:

• Plan when to arrive at the event and when to leave.
• Have a plan for leaving early if needed.
• Take a friend with you who is aware of your disorder.
• Have your friend help you make good food choices or prepare a plate for you.
• Know what foods you should avoid and which ones are safe.
• Bring your own meal or snacks if you can.
• Do not hang around the food table after you have eaten.
• Spend time getting to know people better.
• Make a list of things to talk about other than food.
• Take part in activities at the event.
• Dress in a way that makes you feel good about yourself.

Have a backup plan

Sometimes best laid plans can get derailed. Realize that some things are simply beyond your control. You cannot always predict the weather or who might show up, for instance. It is a good idea to have a backup plan for such cases.

If you are bringing a friend, have a signal for when you want to leave. If you are alone, have an excuse ready in case you need to leave early. If you just need a break, talk to a friend in person or by phone.

Back out if needed

You may find yourself getting more stressed out the closer it gets to the event. Talk to a counselor or someone else you trust about how you are feeling. Be honest. It may be that you are not ready for such an event.

Do not let yourself be pressured by other people. Only you can decide if you think you can handle the stress or not. If you have to back out, do not feel guilty about it. Tell yourself and others that you will be able to attend future events.

Stay positive

Keeping upbeat is a key to your success. Learn to detect and reject the negative inner voice that tries to put you down. Counter it with positive thoughts of how far you have come. Remind yourself that a few setbacks will not keep you from reaching your goals.

Dealing with holidays

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays present extra tests. There is more food, more meals, more family, and more stress. Try not to put added pressure on yourself. Relax some of your eating goals. Allow yourself to eat some things you may not normally eat. Do limit your alcohol use however. Do not try to skip meals, which could lead you to binge later. If you are able, bring some of your own favorite foods to eat and share.

Decide to focus on family rather than food during the holidays. Listen to their stories. Ask them questions. Prepare a list ahead of time of topics to discuss. Sit next to someone you enjoy talking with at mealtimes. Be thankful for family and the chance to be together.

By Kevin Rizzo

©2015-2021 Carelon Behavioral Health

Source: National Eating Disorders Association, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/navigating-4th-july-finding-emotional-freedom-you-deserve, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/navigating-holiday-season, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/twelve-ideas-help-people-eating-disorders-negotiate-holidays, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/slips-lapses-and-relapses

Summary

• Talk to your co-workers about any parties in the works.
• Visit relatives you haven’t seen in a while.
• Throw your own party.

The words “alone” and “holidays” just don’t go together. People almost inevitably speak of holidays in terms of plans made with family and friends. During those times, being single may seem difficult. But don’t let yourself feel left out. Take the time to plan where you want to spend the holidays and with whom.

Before you make plans, assess your state of mind as the holidays approach. Do you feel intimidated attending parties or family events alone? You shouldn’t. Around the holidays, more than ever, it’s important to feel secure in your singleness. Remember that being single can be liberating—you can come and go as you like, mingle freely, and maybe even strike up conversations or relationships you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to otherwise. The holidays can provide time to strengthen friendships and family relationships.

Prioritize engagements

Planning your holiday time also can help get you in the spirit. You should get started as early as possible. Call your family and friends and ask about seasonal events or get-togethers. Start a list of engagements and then prioritize. Decide where and with whom you’ll feel happiest and most comfortable—don’t feel pressured to go where you know you’ll be miserable. If you have children, also keep in mind that many relatives probably will want to visit with them, and that they should have the opportunity to spend time with family. Then update your calendar with all the events you’ve decided to attend so far.

Fill the gaps with holiday cheer

Once you have all your planned activities on the calendar, check how much time you still have open. Use a little creativity to fill the gaps in with holiday cheer. Try these ideas:

• Talk to your co-workers about any parties in the works. Don’t feel awkward about asking to be included. Offer to help with planning or bring food.
• Visit relatives you haven’t seen in a while. Make the effort to schedule a visit, especially if you have an older family member who may be alone.
• Throw your own party. Ask a few friends or co-workers to come over and bring their favorite dish. You could plan an activity—maybe ice skating or a holiday movie—or just spend a few hours chatting.
• Volunteer at a hospital or nursing home. A visit from a kind stranger may be the highlight of the season for a person spending the holidays alone, and it will provide an uplifting experience for you as well.
• Serve a holiday meal at a homeless shelter. Try to get a friend to go with you, and maybe you could make it a holiday tradition. You’ll be contributing to a worthwhile cause and you can meet other volunteers.
• Spend a quiet evening at home reading or watching a movie. Get your favorite take-out dinner and relax.
• Plan a trip. Go it alone or join a tour—many companies offer singles packages. No matter what, make reservations ahead of time. It may seem intimidating to travel by yourself, but once you overcome your fears your vacation could be one of the greatest experiences of your life.

By Kristen Knight

©2001-2021 Carelon Behavioral Health

Summary

People who are actively thankful usually have more energy and a better quality of life.

Many of us don’t think much about our good fortune until November. While Thanksgiving is a yearly event, gratitude for the blessings in your life can be a year-round affair.

Whether it’s a special relationship, a meaningful experience, or hope for the future, we all have much to be grateful for. Experts agree that a good outlook aids mental and physical well-being, so counting those blessings could help your health, increase your happiness, and even help you live longer. The Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness at the University of California-Davis has found that people who are actively thankful often have more energy and a better quality of life.

Throw the calendar away and make each day one of thanksgiving. Here are some ways to remember your blessings.

Keep it simple

Maybe you didn’t win the lottery, but you probably caught a glimpse of a gorgeous sunset. Sometimes we miss the little blessings while waiting for big events. The perfect cup of coffee or an unexpected phone call from an old friend are the little things that get us through the week. Don’t take the small, daily joys for granted.

Make a list

Try keeping a “gratitude journal”—a running tally of all the things you’re thankful for. If you keep your list handy, you may find that it lifts your spirits when you’re feeling low. Jot down three blessings each day for a month. Review your list each morning, and see how your mood improves. Researchers at UC Davis report that people who keep gratitude journals tend to be healthier, more hopeful, and more likely to meet personal goals.

Share with others

Once you’ve started the list, start sharing your blessings with others. Whether you’re thankful for your book collection or your weekly basketball game, find a way to bring this joy into someone else’s life. Select a worthy organization or service group and commit to volunteering on a routine basis. If you’re grateful for family and friends, consider working at a local nursing home. If you’re thankful for a comfortable home, call your local branch of Habitat for Humanity.

Teach a child

Your gifts enrich your life, so take the time to share those talents with a child. Whether you play a musical instrument or build websites, your talent is a teaching opportunity. If it’s been a while since you spent time with a child, broaden your social horizons one step at a time. Look for ways to share your knowledge with the younger generation. Your local YMCA, after-school program, or public library will have information about local opportunities.

Send “no reason” cards

Many of us send greeting cards each December. You feel thankful for your family and friends, but may not have time to write long, heartfelt letters. Instead of getting caught in the holiday crunch, let family and friends know how much you love them—by sending cards at some other time of year. If August is less hectic than December, then start a tradition of sending Labor Day letters. The sincerity of the feeling is more important than the date on the postmark.

By Lauren Greenwood de Beer

©2001-2021 Carelon Behavioral Health

Summary

• If you are going to drink alcohol, be sure you know your limits, and stick to them.
• Handle your special dietary needs by making sure there will be appropriate food there, or eat before you go.

Do you need a strategy for handling your workplace holiday party? Yes! Every company party—no matter when or where it’s held, how casual or formal it seems—is still a business meeting. What you do and how you do it will be seen as directly related to your capabilities, like it or not.

So go—and have fun! Keep these pointers in mind.

• Know what’s expected. Gifts? What to wear? When to arrive or leave?
• If you are going to drink alcohol, be sure you know your limits, and stick to them.
• Handle your special dietary needs by making sure there will be appropriate food there, or eat before you go. Don’t make snide comments about what you can’t eat.
• Work the room. Don’t huddle with the people you know. You’ve got a great opportunity to get to know—and make an impression on—others in the company. Talk with people in different departments and at different staff levels.
• Keep conversation light. Try not to talk shop all the time. Move away from people who want to gripe.
• Do you struggle with making small talk? Think of the party as a large, informal “focus group.” Gather input on projects/activities—personal or professional—by circulating among small groups, asking 1 or 2 key questions that will help flesh out your ideas. Tell people what you’re doing…they’ll get into it!
• Remember, these people are your co-workers, not your best friends or potential mates (usually!). Be careful not to get too personal—or too close—in what you say or do.
• Set aside internal politics. Now is not the time to trot out your scorecard of rights and wrongs done by other departments or people.
• Know who will be there—spouses, outside vendors or consultants, staff from other company sites. Figure out who you want to get next to—or away from—beforehand. Stay away from people you don’t get along with.
• Say thanks—to the owner, the boss, the sponsor, the host, the party planners, your secret Santa. Send a formal note (maybe an email) if appropriate.

In spite of your best efforts, you may do something you regret. What’s the best way to handle those “morning after” blues?

• Apologize immediately—and profusely.
• Talk with the person about what happened—and why.
• Make your work performance outstanding so people focus on your strengths, not your party gaffe.

By Rebecca Thomas

©1999-2019 Carelon Behavioral Health

Summary

• Plan for days when the office will be short-staffed.
• Prioritize what cannot wait until after the holidays.
• Simplify your holiday plans.
• Take care of yourself.

The holidays may be a time of joy, but they aren’t always a time of relaxation. Balancing your family’s expectations with work commitments and social obligations can make this the most stressful time of the year. At work, you may discover that the work is still coming in, but most of your colleagues aren’t. You may even be planning to take some time off yourself. Before the season gets too busy, try these strategies for reducing holiday stress in the workplace.

Plan

Create a calendar for the holiday period, noting who will be at work on which days. If you know in advance that your workplace will be short-staffed at certain times, you can make plans. This might include reassigning essential tasks, prioritizing duties or hiring temporary help. If most of the workplace is on vacation, just having an extra person there to answer the telephone could reduce your stress level dramatically.

Prioritize

What absolutely has to be done today, and what can wait until after the holidays? Ask yourself this question when you begin to feel stress at work. If a task can be held for completion in a week or two, set it aside.

Keep it simple

One reason for holiday stress is the desire to make everything “perfect.” If you’re working during this season, you may have less time for shopping, cooking, social events, or travel. Lower your stress level by simplifying your holiday plans. This might include choosing which holiday gatherings to attend instead of trying to attend them all, or buying gifts throughout the year instead of waiting until the last minute (also easier on the budget).

Organize your workspace

If you’re going on vacation, organize your workspace before leaving. Provide your supervisor or colleague(s) with an “at a glance summary” and file paths for projects you are working on in the event they need to access information during your time away. If something needs to be done in your absence, leave written instructions. Your voicemail message should include the date of your return and the name and telephone number of someone in the office who could take an urgent message.

Practice self-care

You can reduce symptoms of stress by taking care of yourself during the holiday season. Eat balanced meals, get plenty of sleep, avoid alcohol, and exercise regularly. Exercise is particularly important for energy and good health during the holiday season. Get a head start on your New Year’s resolution: Talk to your doctor now about creating the right exercise program for you.

Breathe

If work becomes too stressful, stop and take a number of slow, deep breaths. Inhale, count to three slowly and gradually exhale. After four or five breaths, you probably will feel much more relaxed. Deep breathing can be done anywhere and anytime and is a great way to keep your stress down throughout the day.

Get in the spirit of the season

When your co-workers are on vacation, the phone’s ringing off the hook, work is piling up, and you still haven’t finished your holiday shopping, the season may not seem quite so jolly. Nevertheless, do something to remember the real spirit of the holidays. Consider donating gifts to a needy family, collecting canned food for a local shelter, or sponsoring “Santa’s visit” to a local children’s hospital. Volunteering not only makes you feel good but it makes others feel appreciated as well. You might find this is the best “stress reliever” of all.

By Lauren Greenwood

©1999-2021 Carelon Behavioral Health

Reviewed Jan 6, 2021

Some people look forward to the holidays all year, while others see the holiday season approaching and are overcome by a sense of dread. Will life become so hectic that I can’t enjoy the holidays? How will I buy what I need to buy and not overspend again this year? How will I ever get everything done that I need to do? How many pounds will I gain this year? Will the family get along? The list could go on and on, but all these questions, if left unaddressed, lead to the same thing…stress! Try these tips for managing the stress that seems to be built into the holiday season.

Set priorities.

People tend to get wrapped up in trying to create perfection at this time of the year. Set reasonable goals for what you will do to celebrate. Decide in advance what is most important to you and your family, and focus your celebrations around those things. Try to avoid replicating everything your parents did when you were young. Hang on to meaningful traditions, but avoid doing something solely because it is what your mom or dad did.

Don’t over-schedule! Both you and your kids need downtime to enjoy this special time of the year. Be careful to choose activities based on what you want to do rather than what you think you must do.

Make a plan.

Once you have decided what your priorities are for holiday celebrations, plan how you will organize yourself to get the important work done. Make a calendar and include all important dates on it (the school play, the neighbor’s open house, the drive through the neighborhood to enjoy the holiday decorations, and so on). You may even want to schedule time for any shopping, decorating, baking, writing cards, or other holiday traditions that you have decided will be part of your holiday. Carefully plan your menus and do your shopping in an organized fashion, with a list. You will be much less likely to forget important ingredients and eliminate the last minute running that leaves you exhausted and frazzled.

Keep expectations realistic.

It is not your responsibility to be sure that everybody has a perfect holiday, so don’t put that demand on yourself. Holiday joy is something that comes from within a person—you cannot create something that is not there.

Make a budget and keep it.

If gift buying is part of your holiday celebration, decide in advance what you can afford to spend this year. Create a list of all the people you will shop for and allocate a portion of your total holiday budget to each person. That is the easy part—the hard part is sticking to the budget you create! Try to think of less expensive gift options—a baking mix, a nicely framed photograph of a shared memory, or the gift of your time. Overspending during the holidays is a major source of stress, so be careful. Remember that all the gifts in the world cannot buy happiness.

Care for yourself and your family.

During the holidays, when stress can really take its toll, people tend to neglect doing those things that reduce stress. You may overindulge in food and drink, and leave such things as rest, relaxation, and exercise out of your daily life. Make it a goal to change that this holiday season. Be realistic about the types and amounts of foods you choose. Avoid sugary and fat laden snacks that may give you a quick boost, but will be followed by a drop in energy. Get outside for a brisk walk and take the kids. Think about what is causing your stress, and make a plan to change the pressures you may be putting on yourself. Rest, relax, and reflect on the meaning of the season—peace!

©2005-2021 Workplace Options

Summary

• Take care of yourself.
• Accept that the holidays will be busy.
• Cut down on cards and gifts.

Everyone knows that kids tend to get excited and adults tend to get stressed over the holidays. After all, the potential sources of stress are many—family feuds, time crunches, the “perfectionism” syndrome, travel, work, and school schedules, and of course money, money, money. But steps can be taken to remove the excess and get down to what most people really want—fun, companionship and a break from the routine.

• First, take care of yourself, because your mood, good or bad, will trickle down to the rest of the family. 
• Accept that the holidays will be busy. The same things that stressed you out last year will likely appear again.
• Make a plan. Jot down what you expect from the holidays and then what you think your family expects. Ask your loved ones to do the same. You may be surprised by their answers.
• Manage time. Shop in advance, stock up on goodies, throw out the junk mail. Plan for at least one activity that you’ll know you’ll enjoy and be prepared to say no to the things you don’t.
• Cut down on cards and gifts. Maybe the best gift you can give a friend is to let each other off the present-go-round.
• Build relaxing time into every day and know when to give up and go to bed.

Prepare your children

• Keep a limit on gift giving and receiving when children are young.
• Ask yourself if your child will really enjoy a busy shopping center or a formal dinner.
• Have a story prepared for when they ask: Is there really a Santa?
• If you know you can’t buy them that pony or puppy, tell them.
• Discuss the glut of commercials they’ll see on TV.
• Practice with them how to accept a gift graciously.
• Help children manage their schoolwork over the holidays.
• Create family rituals for kids to have a sense of predictability and familiarity with holidays.

Dealing with teens

Teens present another set of challenges—you want to attend Aunt Frieda’s annual potluck and they want to go to a party. You can avoid some problems in advance if you:

• Agree on the type and amount of gifts, even if it eliminates an element of surprise. Talk to them about money, or the lack thereof. Teens are often more sympathetic than we think.
• Discuss and negotiate rules. For example, no parties or sleepovers on short notice. But have optional activities ready.
• Tell them which family events are must dos and then allow them to skip the less important ones.

Travel expectations

Expectations for family to all be together can lead to feelings of guilt and pressure, especially when travel is involved. Add to that the expense of travelling, the logistics of packing, potential bad weather, and lack of sleep, and you have a recipe for exhaustion. Try the following to avoid travel stress:

• Accept that you can’t be everywhere. Many couples face the dilemma of whose family to visit.  If possible, consider visiting one family for one holiday and the other family for another holiday each year.
• Make travel plans well in advance, and let your family know of your plans. The sooner they know whether you are visiting, the easier it will be for them to adjust their expectations.
• Pack ahead of time and allow extra time for traffic or long security lines at the airport. Pack snacks and make plans for keeping kids entertained.
• Once you’ve arrived at your destination, don’t overdo it. Spending time with your family is more important than meeting everyone’s expectations.

All in the family

Having agreements will avoid a lot of undue stress, and will prevent assumptions, expectations, and misunderstandings ahead of time. Family arguments still erupt over the holidays despite everyone’s wish for peace, love, and understanding. Try to let the little things go and focus on a relative’s good points. Also, learn to respect other people’s choices even if you disagree.

Remember, holidays are especially difficult for new relatives and stepfamilies. Be prepared to accept new traditions and let others fade away.

By Amy Fries

©2022 Carelon Behavioral Health

Summary

Your credit score is built upon several things, including types of credit used, credit history, credit limits and utilization, and payment history.

Before you buy gobs of candy for trick-or-treaters, plan your Thanksgiving feast and look for the perfect Christmas gift, remember this: shopping can either hurt or help your credit.

Why is credit so important?

In the world of finances, your credit is your reputation. It affects your chances of getting a loan with a good interest rate, acquiring certain job positions and even housing. Your credit score is built upon several things, including types of credit used, credit history, credit limits and utilization, and payment history.

Today, we’re focusing on the two biggest influencers: payment history (35 percent of your credit score) and credit limits and utilization (30 percent of your credit score).

Payment history includes, among other things, your habits for payng back bills. Constant late payments lead to negative payment history and consequently, bring down your credit score.

Credit limits and utilization revolve around how much credit you use. If you have a credit card with a $3,000 limit, are you constantly using the full $3,000 (100 percent utilization)? Maintaining a low usage rate is best—regardless of your actual credit limit.

What do pumpkins and mistletoe have to do with my credit score?

So maybe pumpkin spice lattes and new twinkle lights can’t literally hurt your credit, but the amount of money you spend on them can. Your credit will take a major hit if you consistently spend more than your means and get behind on your bills.

Did you know that over $600 billion was spent during the winter holidays last year, with the average American spending over $700 for food, gifts, and decor?1

Everyone wants to make the holidays festive, entertain family and friends with the best food and fun, and show generosity with gifts for all. Which is well and good, don’t get us wrong. We love and look forward to holiday cheer as much as the next person.

What we don’t want is that holiday cheer ending when you get the bills. Unfortunately, bills don’t take a winter break (Wouldn’t that be awesome?!), and credit card companies still expect payments.

How do I improve my credit and my holiday cheer?

With attention and planning, this winter could provide an incredible chance to improve your credit by being diligent with finances. What’s more is it’ll help you stay calm amidst the shopping frenzy, and when you find that perfect gift for your loved one, you don’t have to worry about straining your wallet.

Here are five steps to get you started:

1. Know your credit limits.

Before you join the mob of people enjoying Black Friday specials, jot down all your credit cards and their respective limits, as well as their current balances (if any).

2. Calculate a utilization limit.

Now that you know the limit for each credit card, calculate how much you can spend with each card while still maintaining a positive utilization rate. Exceeding even 30 percent of your available credit can be damaging, so leave yourself some wiggle room. A good place to start is only using 25 percent or less of your credit limit. For example, if you have an $8,000 line of credit, then you would try to keep the credit card balance under $2,000 at all times.

As you shop around, keep track of which card you use and how much you’re charging to that card, so you can better gauge how close you are to the utilization limit—and refrain from going over it.

3. Stick to a budget.

Just because you have a credit card with an $8,000 credit limit doesn’t necessarily mean you should spend $8,000 on holiday gifts. And calculating a $2,000 utilization limit doesn’t necessarily mean that you can spend $2,000 without consequence either.

The spending calculation you should adhere to is the dollar amount that fits your budget. As the holidays approach, think about all the purchases you want to make (candy, decorations, gifts, donations, etc.) and how much money you can afford to put towards those purchases while still meeting your other expenses (like rent and utilities).

Living within your means by sticking to a realistic budget will help you stay on track with credit usage and make it easier to pay off your bills on time.

4. Set up bill alerts.

Sometimes, people miss a bill payment simply due to distractions. You see the familiar envelope with the monthly bill, and you toss it aside because you’d rather make some hot chocolate, but putting off the sweets for just a minute and making a point of paying your credit card bill is a small step that makes a huge difference.

Always making late payments influences your credit score and losing track of payments during the holidays are a sure fire way to get behind and stay behind. So… set up alerts on your phone for when a bill arrives and when it’s due. Unless you pay your bill the moment it becomes available, insert periodic reminders into your calendar so you don’t find yourself waiting until the last minute and increase your chances of incurring a late fee.

5. Pay bills in full.

Paying bills on time and in full are equally important. Why? When you only pay the minimum, you actually increase the amount of debt you carry, and you increase the amount you have to pay for your credit card purchases because of interest.

For example, let’s say you make a $10,000 purchase (a bit excessive but works well for this demonstration). You use a credit card with 15 percent interest to make the purchase. You make no other purchases with the card, and the minimum monthly payment required is 2.5 percent of the balance. If you only pay the minimum each month, it will take 23 years to pay off, and you will pay an additional $9,637 in interest.

Carrying around that kind of debt and paying off so much interest is certainly enough to kill the holiday mood.

How can I keep track of everything?

So keeping track of credit card usage and bill payments will help you build and maintain good credit, but that’s a lot to remember, especially when you’d rather focus on finding holiday gifts.

With Wallet, you can squeeze all your financial information into your pocket for easy access. Wallet is an online money management tool that allows you to see all your accounts in one place, track your spending (credit card transactions, cash and more), and even set alerts so you never miss a bill or go over budget.

You can also keep your credit in tip-top shape (or learn more ways to repair it) by working with a Money Coach. All of our money coaches are Certified Credit Counselors who have years of experience in financial services and are familiar with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and many have additional accreditations like Certified Credit Report Reviewer – CCRR®. 

1Allen, Kathy Grannis. “The Long and Short of America’s Consumer Holiday.” nrf.com. NRF, 1 May 2014. Web. 20 Oct. 2014.

©2016-2019 CLC Incorporated

Each year, December brings a month filled with holidays and celebrations complete with a variety of gift giving traditions. Check out this list of holiday tips to keep you and your family safe and healthy this holiday season.

Buy safe toys. If you plan to buy toys for the kids in your life, choose age-appropriate toys and look for labels with safety advice. For young children, avoid toys with small parts or sharp edges, and electric toys that can heat up. Always purchase safety gear in addition to sports-related gifts or ride-on toys, such as bicycles or skateboards.

Celebrate on a budget. The holidays can be expensive, but you don’t have to break the bank to celebrate. Take a few minutes to decide how much you can afford to spend on gifts, travel, parties, decorations and other holiday expenses. Once you’ve created a spending plan, keep track of your purchases. Shopping online can help you stick to a budget, as you’ll avoid the temptation of store displays and may be able to use coupons and promotion codes. Before you buy, look for free shipping offers, check ordering deadlines to ensure that your gifts will arrive on time, and read the return policy.

Give the gift of service. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give to others is service. Reading to a child just three hours a week significantly improves their reading skills, or if you help out at a local soup kitchen or food bank, you are directly providing meals to hungry individuals.

Find seasonal employment. Businesses often need extra help around the holidays. Seasonal employment can help supplement your income and potentially lead to a permanent position.

Get through the holiday blues. The holidays aren’t joyous for everyone. This time of year can bring stress and feelings of loneliness. Exercise, focusing on positive relationships, and doing things that you find rewarding can help with depression. Keep in mind that winter depression could be a sign of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is caused by the lack of sunlight. Treatment for SAD is much like treatment for other forms of depression, but may also involve light therapy.

Be safe and save money with LED lights. Electricity bills can grow during the holidays if you decorate with strings of lights. Consider switching to LED holiday lights to save energy and money. In addition to the energy and cost savings, LED lights are much cooler than incandescent bulbs, reducing the risk of fires. Every holiday season, fires claim lives and cost millions in damage. To prevent holiday fires in your home, use nonflammable decorations, do not overload electrical sockets, and avoid the use of lit candles. As you should do year-round, ensure that your smoke alarms are working. If you celebrate Christmas, be sure to water Christmas trees regularly.

Pay attention to food portions and physical activity. The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends, but celebrations sometimes involve over-indulging in sweet treats and heavy foods. Even if you only gain only one or two pounds during the holidays, these gains can add up over the years. The holidays are probably not the ideal time to try to lose weight, but you can take steps to maintain your weight.

Pack for hassle-free air travel. You can get through the airport security line faster by traveling with unwrapped gifts and following the “3-1-1 rule” when carrying on liquids. You may have favorite liquid food items (like cranberry sauce or special dips) that you want to share during the holidays, but it’s best to put such items in your checked bag or ship them ahead of time. If you need last-minute information about what you can and can’t bring through security, visit the TSA website.

Reduce holiday waste. The holiday season includes many opportunities to reduce waste, recycle and reuse items. Consider buying rechargeable batteries (and a charger) for electronic gifts to help reduce the amount of harmful materials thrown away. After the holidays, look for ways to recycle your tree instead of sending it to a landfill. If you plan to send greeting cards, consider purchasing ones that are made of recycled paper or sending electronic greetings.

Keep food safe. Holiday buffets are convenient ways to entertain a crowd, but leaving food out for long periods can invite bacteria that cause food-borne illness. To keep your holiday foods safe, cook them thoroughly; use shallow containers; never leave them sitting out for more than two hours, and keep them at the appropriate temperature.

Source: USAGov, www.usa.gov

Summary

• Have each child pack a personal backpack.
• Compile a surprise goody bag.
• Stop often.
• Get up and move around a plane cabin often with your child.

“Are we almost there yet?” This question is all too familiar to parents traveling with children. Although today’s minivan makes travel less painful than the days of riding in a station wagon without air conditioning, road trips are never easy. Nor is changing planes with a stroller, car seat, diaper bag … Before you hit the highway or tackle air travel, consider these tips for traveling with children.

Road trip tips

• Stop often. Children need frequent opportunities to get out of the car, stretch, and exert some physical energy. If your children are growing increasingly antsy or irritable, take a five-minute break. Look for places to pull over that offer room to run, such as rest stops with picnic areas, rather than fast food chains or convenience stores. Consider bringing a jump rope, bubbles, or ball for some quick playtime.
• Rotate seats. A simple change in perspective can make a big difference. Consider assigning each seat a separate responsibility, such as deciding where the family will stop to eat, what car game the family will play, or what music to listen to.
• Keep children informed of where you are going, when you plan to stop next, side trips, etc. Older kids may enjoy mapping out your destination using a highlighter. If they can see where it is they’re headed, you may not hear the inevitable “are we almost there?”
• Use car window shades to keep the car as comfortable as possible.
• Designate quiet time.
• Don’t tolerate bickering. Squabbling is not only irritating, it is a hazardous distraction to the driver. Pull over in a safe and convenient spot and ask kids to get out of the car and settle the issue.
• Stock up on supplies, such as tissues, wet towelettes, drink boxes, and snacks so that you will have to stop only as necessary.

Trouble-free air travel

• Let the ticketing agent know you will be traveling with kids. Ask for bulkhead seating, which tends to offer more space. See if the airline offers child safety seats so that you don’t have to bring yours from home. Request a child’s meal ahead of time or consider bringing along a special meal from home.
• Board early. Get your children in their seats and occupied before general passenger boarding.
• Dress in layers. Airplane temperatures often fluctuate, and blankets aren’t necessarily available for everyone.
• Take advantage of in-flight movies or have a movie or two ready to go on an iPad or laptop. Movie-watching occupies a good amount of travel time.
• Let children have turns at the window seat.
• Move around the cabin with your child periodically, but do not let him roam the aisles without you.
• Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids—air travel can quickly dehydrate a small child.
• Give your baby a pacifier or bottle and older children chewing gum to avoid earache during takeoff and landing
• Let everyone else deplane ahead of you.

Travel packs

Have each child pack a personal backpack with important things from home (e.g., books, MP3 player, stuffed animal). You can make the trip a little more fun by compiling a surprise goody bag that includes some travel treats, like:

• Travel games (get ideas from books at your local library)
• Activity and game books, brain teasers, threading sets, felt boards, etc.
• Stickers
• Art supplies
• Hand puppets
• Electronic games
• Wrapped surprises
• Special food, such as fortune cookies, trail mix, homemade snacks, or candy

By Christine P. Martin

©2001-2019 Carelon Behavioral Health

Source: Trouble-Free Travel With Children: Helpful Hints for Parents on the Go by Vicki Lansky. MJF Books, 1999; The Penny Whistle Traveling With Kids Book by Meredith Brokaw and Annie Gilbar. Fireside, 1995.