My wife and I were standing outside a Scottsdale jewelry store the day after Halloween when we began to hear the "sounds of Christmas." We looked at each other with amazement as "Christmas" began to permeate the air of the mall parking lot. Each year it appears that the winter holidays arrive earlier than the year before, making it more difficult for many to avoid the holiday stressors.

Often people have a difficult time handling the season-driven holiday cheer and find that they are actually experiencing the "holiday blues." Our commercial motivation to extend the preparation and celebration of the holidays may make one's stress that much more intense. Rather than getting caught up in the excitement of the holiday season, many people view the holidays as a stressful reflection of their painful memories. Some people have lost loved ones, forfeited jobs, ended relationships, and find themselves far away from family. The expectations of gaiety and joyfulness may illuminate what is missing for them at the holidays.

Parents may also feel stressful regarding managing the practical aspects of the holiday such as shopping, preparing for company, wrapping gifts, decorating the house, and getting out holiday cards. Parents may feel stressed because they are unable to meet the expectations of a joyful holiday season. They may discount their feelings in order to try to uphold the sacredness of their family holiday traditions.

Parents need to remember that holiday traditions are a family experience. This means that children can play a role in supporting parents in the process of preparing and celebrating the holiday season. Since children are typically excited and cheerful during the holidays, their assistance and support can be invaluable in making the holiday experience a brighter one for the entire family.

Many parents may view their children as an obstacle rather than an asset during the holidays. They may perceive their children as merely being the recipients of the fruits of the holidays, including food, presents, and family connections. In order to reduce the stress of the holidays, parents need to encourage their children to assist in all aspects of holiday planning. There are some ways that you can help your children feel apart of the holiday planning and minimize the stress of the season:

• Don't be afraid to let your children know that holidays can be a stressful time for you and indicate some of the reasons why. They will understand.
• Teach your children that the spirit of the holidays is about giving to others who are less fortunate than you.
• Don't worry about whether your children are getting enough gifts. Most kids tell me that they don't care as much about the gifts they receive as parents may think. Let you kids make a wish list. Be honest about what you can afford. They will understand. Your honesty is worth far more to them than gifts.
• Ask your children to help out with shopping.
• Request that your children prepare the house for the holidays by putting out decorations and religious symbols.
• Encourage your children to help you address holiday cards.
• Make your children a part of the gift wrapping process.
• Involve your children in cleaning the house.
• Encourage your children to volunteer at food shelters and give to donation drives.

Avoid the aspects of the holiday season which intensify stress. Turn off the endless stream of holiday music. Avoid excessive shopping. Make plans for a simpler, more comfortable celebration. The holidays should be about feeling connected to other people and to the religious traditions reflecting one's concept of God. It is important to involve your children in making the holidays a simple but sacred experience with family and friends.

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About the Author: James P. Krehbiel, Ed.S., LPC, is an author, freelance writer and cognitive-behavioral therapist practicing in Scottsdale, Arizona. His personal growth book, Stepping Out of the Bubble, is available at www.amazon.com. James can be reached at www.krehbielcounseling.com. or www.leavingthebubble.blogspot.com.