Frantic vacation syndrome.

Sounds like a new type of flu, doesn’t it? It’s just a term I came up with to describe the way we tend to get stressed out on vacation.

But let’s try to put this vacation thing in perspective. Think and remember what it was like to be a kid during the holidays: The anticipation. The emotion. The feeling that the big day was never going to come.

Now fast forward and consider what it’s like for many of us to be an adult during the holidays:

Frankly running around, trying to do everything.

Trying to meet all expectations and obligations, such as spending too much.

Bills.

The feeling that we simply do not have enough time.

Exhaustion, crowds, stress, crowds, overeating, crowds.

We treat the holidays, at best, as if they were a surprise and, at worst, as if they were some kind of crisis. This turns what is supposed to be a source of celebration into a huge source of stress as we run around trying to get everything done. And then we wonder why we don’t enjoy the holidays.

That’s the bad new. The good news is that families can combat hectic vacation syndrome. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts during the holiday season.

not to do

Spend more than you can afford. Nothing puts a damper on the start of the new year like the impact of credit card bills, which represent money spent on things that are already broken.

Feel like you have to have a Hallmark vacation. Remember, those are commercials with scripts and as many takes as it takes to get it right. Our holidays are live.

Start a diet or a new eating plan while on vacation. It is a sure stage for frustration and failure.

Do something just because you’ve always done it that way before. While family traditions are important and valuable, if not reviewed and/or updated, they can become mandatory routines.

Compare this vacation to others, either someone else’s or the best you’ve ever had.

Feel that you have to please everyone.

Wait until the last minute to do all your shopping, unless you enjoy being served by grumpy employees who are eager to get you out of the store and being surrounded by people who are willing to kill for the latest PlayStation 2.

behind

Avoid the main killer of a good vacation: the expectations of others. Decide how you and your family want to spend the holidays, and then carry it out. No further explanation is needed.

Distinguish between stress and pressure. Stress comes from the outside, while pressure is an inside job: it’s what we tell ourselves about stress.

Combat cultural expectations. You and your children will survive without the latest news.

Give gifts of lasting value, such as: Time. History. Reconciliation. Comprehension. Belong Family.

Have reasonable expectations for yourself and your family, such as: Babies will be cranky because their routine is interrupted. Preschoolers will wriggle and wiggle during the school’s Christmas play. Elementary school kids and tweens will want to stay up all night on Christmas Eve. Teens will want to walk within 20 feet of you at the mall, be with their friends, and ask “is that all there is?” after opening their gifts. Parents will get frustrated trying to cope with anything that says “some assembly required.”

Plan, plan, plan, and then plan some more.

Remember that whatever you do, you are creating memories that will last a lifetime. Remember friends, this should be a time for celebration, not frustration.