Reasonable expectations a key to happier holidays

Published: Dec. 18, 2015, 10:42 a.m.

b'One source of stress is believing you don\'t have enough time, money or energy. Those feelings can hit as people deal with the \\u201cextra stuff\\u201d of the holiday season, such as socializing, decorating and gift giving, says One source of stress is believing you don\'t have enough time, money or energy. Those feelings can hit as people deal with the \\u201cextra stuff\\u201d of the holiday season, such as socializing, decorating and gift giving, says Upstate Upstate psychologist psychologist Rich O'Neill, PhD Rich O'Neill, PhD. To keep the holidays positive, he suggests that people set realistic expectations, do what worked well in the past, learn to say no and take time to regroup. Making simple, personal connections is a better idea than aiming for perfection, he adds.. To keep the holidays positive, he suggests that people set realistic expectations, do what worked well in the past, learn to say no and take time to regroup. Making simple, personal connections is a better idea than aiming for perfection, he adds.'