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Holidays already getting you stressed? According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, respondents list lack of money (61%), the pressures of gift giving (42%), lack of time (34%) and credit card debt (23%) as top causes of their holiday stress. Younger Americans are even more worried about lack of money (81%) and gift giving (54%) compared with people older than 35.
Here are some low cost and fun ways to de-stress:
Cheap date nights
Get online and Google a culture you're unfamiliar with - maybe Polish, Turkish or Tongan. Then find a recipe online for a traditional food and have a spontaneous ethnic food night.
Read a book out loud to each other. This can be a nightly ritual or serialized into installments for a weekly date.
Head to a playground at night and rediscover the joys of swinging, sliding and climbing.
Universities often show student plays and films cheaply or even for free, and they can be surprisingly good. Keep an eye on your local campus for entertainment by the next generation of famous people.
Eat at home with a blindfold. Have one partner arrange the dinner and allow the other to enjoy without being able to see it.
Get up extra early, watch the sunrise, then make breakfast together.
Visit garage sales. Give each other $10 and see what you give each other at the end of the morning.
Attend a farmers market, then find a recipe for a new way to prepare something in season. Ask a farmer for advice.
Take a drive and view the holiday lights. Pick the winner of the Clark Griswold Outdoor Illumination Award.
Girls' nights
The American Psychological Association also found that women are more likely than men to report heightened stress during the holidays and that they're less likely to take time to relax or manage that stress in healthy ways. What about a girls' night out on a budget?
Themed sleepovers are always fun and the possibilities are endless. Pick a theme for the sleepover and plan everything from what people should wear, what movies to watch, what music to listen to and what activities to do. Here are some theme ideas:
Disco '70s night. Dress up in bell bottoms, miniskirts, cat suits, wide-legged pants, flared jeans and platform shoes. Play hits from the Bee Gees, Jackson Five, ABBA, Donna Summer and Tina Turner. Watch "Saturday Night Fever" or another classic.
Retro '80s night. Guest can wear anything from leggings, leg warmers, oversized sweaters, off-the-shoulder tops, lace gloves, bangles, rubber bracelets and jelly shoes. Play Madonna, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Prince, George Michael and Paula Abdul. Watch classic flicks such as "Flashdance," "Dirty Dancing," "The Breakfast Club," "Sixteen Candles," "E.T.," "Pretty in Pink" and "Valley Girl."
Spa night. Give each other manicures and pedicures. Make your own facial masks using natural ingredients that can be found in your kitchen. Give each other makeovers and experiment with makeup, hair dye and different hairstyles.
Swap parties. Especially hot right now. You can "shop" for new stuff among your friends' no-longer-wanted goodies. Try swapping clothing, accessories, home decor, books and magazines, or even coupons.
