ADHD at the Holidays

The Holidays are supposed to be joyous times to spend with family and friends.  For many, these happy times are replaced with stress and anxiety over the demands we place on ourselves over the expectations of Christmas presents and shopping, holiday baking, decorating, writing cards, visiting friends and relatives, and hosting parties.  Tackling these 4-6 weeks requires organization, careful planning, controlled spending, and cooperation with loved ones.  For those with ADHD, these qualities may prove to be particularly elusive, and may leave you longing for January 2, 2012.

Why not spend an hour talking with an ADHD Adult Coach to devise a strategy for not only surviving these holidays, but to develop a New Year’s Resolution that includes learning proven coaching methods for planning, organization, prioritization, and relationship management?   

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Until your visit, consider these helpful hints:

Ways to cope with the stress of the holiday season.

1. Taking care of yourself.  Continue to do what keeps you feeling energized and healthy.

2. Decide in advance what you’ll buy. Make a list that includes the people to buy a gift for, each with a dollar amount and gift idea. Shop specifically for the items on the list. Shopping online cuts down on impulsive overspending, saves time and gas money you would spend driving, wrapping, and mailing.

If finances are especially tight, homemade gifts or services or a family gift exchange are very nice options. Other family members may be relieved by your suggestion.

3. Delegate. Deciding what others can do to help. Keep a list and post each family member's duties on a chart on the fridge, with a check-off box next to the name and the task. You’ll know at a glance whether the job has been done.

4. The perfect holiday is only a fantasy. There’s only so much time and only one of you. Most of us think we can do more than we actually have time for. Better to plan too little than too much. Family traditions are wonderful, but as families change and grow, you may need to do things differently. Adjust the holiday plans to your current situation. Rediscover the word “No!”

5. Extra efforts to focus. If possible take a day off from work or hire a babysitter so you can plan, write cards, or shop without the kids.  And you will be treating yourself time alone to recharge your batteries.

6. Skip shopping. Rediscover the true meaning of the Season by making a donation in family members' names to a favorite cause or nonprofit organization.

7. Escape! Try a quick in-town vacation from the holiday season and its frenzy. Take your family on a day trip the week between Christmas and New Year’s.