7 Tips for Managing Holiday Stress When Your Partner Travels

Holidays can be incredibly stressful, especially when your partner is away.

But let’s be clear: holidays shouldn’t be a source of stress.

They should be a time for calm, reflection, and joy. It’s about embracing the importance of religion, family, love, and relationships.

That’s why I’m here to share 7 direct and powerful tips to help you manage holiday stress when your partner travels.

Let’s tackle the problem head-on and turn this holiday season into a time of happiness and peace.

1. Organize a Family Meeting to Plan Holiday Activities

family meeting

You’re not alone, and you shouldn’t be alone while your partner is away during the holidays.

Loneliness breeds stress, and the holidays are a time to come together.

I suggest organizing a family meeting where everyone can share ideas for holiday activities. This way, you’re not shouldering the burden alone, and you might discover fantastic ideas you hadn’t thought of.

During the meeting, encourage everyone to contribute. Maybe someone will suggest a fun day trip, a new recipe to try, or a unique holiday tradition.

Collaborating with your family not only lightens your load but also creates a sense of togetherness and shared excitement.

You’ll find that planning activities as a group can be a wonderful way to bond and reduce stress. Plus, having a clear plan will make the holidays run smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

2. Set Realistic Expectations and Boundaries with Family

Setting realistic expectations and boundaries with your family during the holidays is crucial.

When your partner is away, you might feel extra pressure to make everything perfect. But striving for perfection will only add to your stress.

Instead, be honest with your family about what you can and cannot do.

Communicate clearly about your availability and energy levels. Let them know if you need help with preparations or if certain traditions need to be adjusted this year.

Setting boundaries ensures you’re not overcommitting and can enjoy the holidays without feeling overwhelmed.

Additionally, manage expectations around family interactions. If certain topics are off-limits or if you need some quiet time, make it known.

Protecting your mental and emotional well-being is essential, and your family should understand and respect your needs.

3. Create New Traditions with Your Children

mother and daughter on christmas

One of the best ways to handle holiday stress is to introduce something new.

Visiting new places or celebrating in different ways can shift the focus from what’s missing to what’s exciting and fresh.

I suggest creating new traditions with your children. This helps you all adapt and find joy in the current moment, rather than dwelling on the absence of your partner.

By starting new traditions, you give your family something to look forward to, reducing the chances of everyone feeling sad or stressed about the changes.

Whether it’s a special holiday breakfast, a new game night, or a unique way to decorate, these new activities can bring joy and excitement.

Related: Top 7 Fun Activities to Enjoy While Your Husband is Away

New traditions allow you and your children to bond and create positive memories not overshadowed by feelings of missing your partner.

Instead of hearing, “It was different when Dad was here,” you’ll make new memories everyone can cherish.

4. Engage in Fun Activities with Friends and Loved Ones

I’m a big fan of reducing stress by engaging in fun activities, and I really think it helps.

When your partner is away, surrounding yourself and your children with friends and loved ones can make a huge difference.

Plan outings, game nights, or even simple get-togethers that include the kids. Sharing laughter and joy with others can lift everyone’s spirits and keep you from feeling isolated.

Activities like baking together, going for a hike, or having a movie marathon can create a festive atmosphere and help you forget about any stress.

It’s all about staying connected and enjoying the company of those who care about you and your children.

By filling your time with positive interactions, you can make the holidays enjoyable and memorable for both you and your kids, even in your partner’s absence.

5. Utilize Technology to Stay Connected

video call during holidays

No doubt you’ll miss your husband much more during the holidays, and your children will too.

Holidays are a time for sharing love, hanging out together, and going to church as a family.

While you can’t literally fix the distance between you and your husband, you can reduce the stress by utilizing the amazing technologies we have today (and we really do have plenty of them, haha).

Related: 5 Ways to Celebrate Special Occasions Long-Distance

Talk on video more than usual, and involve your children in those conversations. Seeing each other’s faces and hearing each other’s voices can make a huge difference.

Look for family apps that can help you all reduce stress by playing games, sharing memories, or even virtually participating in holiday activities together.

Technology can bridge the gap and make everyone feel closer, keeping the holiday spirit alive despite the physical distance.

6. Treat Yourself Something Special

woman on a massage

You shouldn’t only care about others during the holidays. While it’s typical to focus on giving and caring for others, it’s crucial not to forget about yourself and your well-being.

Treating yourself to something special can reduce stress A LOT!

Go for a massage, indulge in a beauty treatment, visit a sauna, or try a solarium. Anything that helps you relax and relieve stress is worth it.

Related: Self Care Secrets Every Wife of Travelling Partner Should Know

Prioritizing self-care ensures you’re in the best state to enjoy the holidays and be there for your loved ones.

Remember, a little pampering can go a long way in making you feel rejuvenated and happy.

7. Don’t Overcomplicate Holidays

While this is the last tip in this post, I think it’s one of the most important when it comes to holiday organization, especially when your husband is away – DO NOT OVERCOMPLICATE!

Overcomplicating and overorganizing the holidays is a major source of stress, even when everyone is together, especially if you’re separated.

Keep things simple and focus more on communication and play between you and your family members.

Instead of baking 10 different cookies or cleaning every single thing in your house to perfection, keep it simple. Prioritize meaningful interactions and quality time.

Simplifying your holiday plans will significantly reduce stress and help you enjoy the season more fully.

I really hope these tips will help you reduce stress and have a better and more relaxed time during the holidays with your husband being separated. Cheers, ladies!

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