'Tis The Season For Holiday Stress And Some New Yorkers Say Anxiety Is On The Rise
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- We're about a week away from Thanksgiving and 'tis the season for holiday stress. Add politics to the mix and anxiety levels can really go up.
With signs of the season popping up all over city CBS2's Vanessa Murdock went to find ways to ease stress because for some the most wonderful time of the year isn't so wonderful.
For some it's the repetitive music and spending, for others it's the socializing.
"There's always some anxiety. I think it's impossible to get a whole group of people to get along," one man said.
Child development and parenting expert Denise Daniels said people get really stressed out over the holidays because they do too much.
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To keep cool she stresses planning ahead -- keep a calendar of activities on the fridge.
"Don't schedule too many adult activities without the children because the focus really needs to be on family," Daniels said.
For any family gatherings talk turkey ahead of time to ensure important traditions and tasty treats aren't missed.
Tatyana Kleyn has mixed feelings about the holidays -- saying gathering with the family can make her anxious.
She worries her typically enjoyable family gatherings might be soured by political differences.
"After the elections it does a little bit because there is some differences in my family," she said. "Hopefully we can focus on other things," she said.
Patricia Fox remains confident her guests will rise above political discord.
"It's time for Thanksgiving, family, friends, time for people to come together," she said.
To make sure that happens Daniels said to set rules before you sit down to dine and let your guests know the deal before accepting the invite.
"Say, this is going to be a politics free zone," she said.
If one person strays -- you know that uncle with an axe to grind, the aunt who enjoys her wine maybe a little too much -- use neutral statements like 'wow that's interesting. I'll keep it in mind.' to bring the conversation back to congenial.
"You're acknowledging the person's point of view, but you're not really accepting the advice," Daniels said.
Another piece of advice -- just do your best to enjoy each other's company.
"Even with so much going on we still have a lot of blessings to count," Rob Kaye said.
Daniels added that parents often feel the need to pull off a magical Christmas or Hanukkah which also adds stress.
Remember, children are more likely to remember an afternoon of ice skating or playing board games than this year's hot toy.
