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Stress During the Holidays Holiday Season Stress is Real

By Anthony Khelil

Happy Holidays
© 2018 (c) Anthony Khelil

Anc Lead in: The Holiday season is upon us. There is almost two months until Christmas,
but it is never too early to get the season started. It is this mindset that has many Americans anxious. NCC’s Anthony Khelil has more on the potential downside to the Holiday season.
MacEwen: “The Holiday’s are very stressful because my family is big about Christmas.”
Khelil VO: It is November 8th, just one week removed from Halloween and two weeks away from Thanksgiving, and it already feels like Christmas. The Holiday season is a time for
giving, laughter and fun. But it also brings unwelcomed guests like stress, anxiety and depression.
Vilanote: “It is stressfull because of travel and gifts are expensive.”
Khelil VO: Festive stress is real. 31% of Americans describe the holiday season as frantic. Whether it be stress from high expectations or financial stress, it is a major issue during the holidays. It doesn’t help when Santa is around during the first week of November. 54% of
Americans are stressed about crowds and lines, 56% about shopping, 49% over what gift to get.
MacEwen: “Giving gifts to one another. That’s something I like to take pride in is trying to get the perfect gift.”
Khelil VO: With all the stress surrounding the holiday season it is important to remember to slow down and enjoy it. I got that advice from the big man in red himself.
Paladino: “A big part of stress management is time management.”
Khelil VO: There are plenty of ways to cope with holiday stress. Set expectations, be realistic and most importantly take care of yourself.
Khelil Standup: The holiday season is time for family, friends and laughter. There is just no room for stress. Have a cookie, drink some milk, I’m sure you will feel just fine. Reporting
from Syracuse, I’m Anthony Khelil NCC News.

It is November 8th, a week removed from Halloween, and two weeks away from Thanksgiving, but it feels like Christmas. Whether one is at the mall, food shopping or causally walking through the neighborhood, Christmas is around us.

Santa Claus is even making his yearlu appearance, and it is only the first week of November. The Holiday season is meant to bring joy. However, for some Americans, the holiday season brings unwanted guests like stress and anxiety.

“Festive Stress” is real, and it is effecting many across the United States. 31 percent of American’s describe the holiday season as frantic. “Holiday” is beginning to mean “to-do” list for many American’s.

Whether it be financial stress or stress of living up to expectations, stress is a major issue American’s face during the holidays. Many need a holiday from the holidays.

It is a widespread issue. According to the American Psychological Association, One fourth of Americans reported “extreme stress” during the holiday season. 69 percent of Americans are stressed by the feeling of not having enough time, as well as financial stress. 51 percent are stressed over the pressure of gift giving.

Carl MacEwen, a local Syracuse resident, said he faces some type of stress every holiday season. Christmas is a big deal for his family, so the preparation and expectations for Christmas brings about a lot of anxiety. The worst part, gift giving.

“I take a lot of pride in getting the perfect gift.” MacEwen said.

MacEwen described it as a competition between him and his family members when it comes to who gives the best gift.

Nicole Vilanote, a Syracuse University student said despite her love for the season, it brings a multitude of stress.

“It is stressful because of travel, and gifts are expensive.” Vilanote said.

The chaotic schedules lead many American’s to caffeine. 49 percent turn to coffee, while one in six have energy drinks. The stress also has American’s turning to unhealthy snacks. 74 percent of Americans surveyed said they overload on unhealthy snacks rather than choosing a healthier alternative.

The stress does not end there. 60 percent report experiencing guilt because of the unhealthy eating habits over the holiday season, which only adds onto the stress.

Michael Paladino, a peer educator at the Office of Health Promotion in Syracuse said it is important to manage ones time during the holidays.

“A big part of stress management is also just time management.” Paladino said.

Paladino believes taking advantage of one’s time is essential in keeping the stress away. He acknowledged gift shopping as one of the biggest factors in compiling stress. Getting shopping out of the way early is essential in avoiding stress.

There are plenty of ways to keep stress away during the holidays.

The holiday season is meant for family, friends, laughs, and giving. There is no room for stress. Plan ahead, get things done early, and remember to slow down and enjoy it.

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