Maritimers cope with stress amid holidays

First at Five: Holiday Overload The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but for some they're also the most stressful.

Christmas is two weeks away and for some people it’s the most wonderful time of the year; for others it’s the most stressful.

Mental wellness expert Julie Cass says the pressures add up around this time of year.

"The holidays can be a really stressful time of year,” Cass says. “We have extra demands, extra spending, which creates financial strain and obligations or the sense of obligations and I think for a lot of people there is an increase in stress and anxiety and there is also pressure to enjoy this time of year.”

The expenses can add up, especially with the high cost of living.

“They’re trying to maintain the same type of lifestyle maybe on less money and it’s putting undue pressure and hardship and so unless somebody makes an adjustment or family makes an adjustment, it's not going to get better, it's going to get worse,” says Doug Wright, financial planner and president of Wiltshire Financial Management.

"The average Canadian has over $4,000 in credit card debt and all kinds of personal loans and car loans. It puts a lot of pressure on people,” says Steven Smith, psychology professor with Saint Mary's University.

Some Maritimers are feeling the pressure to keep up.

"Family pressure, friends and what people and the latest things people are buying and of course technology is an added cost, but I think Canadians are for sure not able to and cannot afford to spend much this time of year and there are others that can spend but still get stressed out about it,” says Wright.

According to etiquette expert Jay Remer, you don’t have to do it all. Holiday parties aren’t mandatory and you don’t have to feel bad for not attending them, but if you do, Remer suggests bringing a host gift.

"If you're only seeing someone once a year and they are going through the trouble of hosting everybody, contributing in a small way by giving a hosting present is appropriate,” says Remer.

Remer says there is also etiquette around who you get a gift for and the act of giving because you feel obligated.

"I think that there should be an understanding between two people whether they want to exchange gifts and if that is absent then it's optional,” says Remer.

Cass says shifting your mindset is a way to help you cope and enjoy the holiday season.

"I get to go buy gifts, I get to go to this holiday function, I get to make dinner for my family versus the feeling of I have to do this, I have to do that. So if you just switch that little word in your head, it will change your energy and how you approach this holiday season,” says Cass.

Smith says it also helps to have a plan to avoid stress and awkward situations during the holidays.

"Work with your family and friends to make sure everyone is on the same page and figure out what you want to do. Budget well ahead of schedule and then take time for self care,” says Smith.