Your Annual Take a Deep Breath Holiday Reminder (and Tips)

Holiday Email Etiquette - Try not to display holiday stress in your emails.

The last couple of years have been one heck of a ride. As we all know, the Holidays can be stressful during a “normal” year. Unfortunately, we have all kinds of added stress points to deal with.

This year, the Holidays started gearing up even earlier. You can feel it in the air and experience it firsthand when you go out, even if you run an errand or make a quick stop at the grocery store—holiday stuff out before Halloween and one less week to prepare for Christmas after Thanksgiving.

With all this stress, you’ll encounter those who are not happy campers and seem less patient. I feel bad for them and give them the benefit of the doubt. People who walk around as curmudgeons tend not to be happy. None of us knows what anyone else is going through.

With the Holidays comes the pressure and stress of all the holiday-related issues that creep up on us every year. Visiting in-laws and outlaws, entertaining details, gift buying, business and personal responsibilities colliding, holiday cards, etc.

Don’t Fall Prey to Holiday e-Stress Syndrome

First, here are some quick tips to avoid holiday stress:

Plan Ahead

Make lists: Write down gifts, meals, events, and other priorities.
Set a budget: Avoid financial stress by sticking to what you can afford.

Simplify

Don’t overcommit. Politely say no to extra obligations if your schedule is packed.
Delegate tasks like cooking, decorating, or wrapping presents.

Set Realistic Expectations

The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Focus on meaningful moments rather than perfection.

Practice Self-Care

Schedule downtime for relaxation, exercise, and good sleep.
Don’t neglect regular meals and hydration.

Shop Early

Avoid last-minute shopping by purchasing gifts or groceries early.
Consider online shopping for convenience.

Focus on Gratitude

Reflect on what you’re thankful for to reduce stress.
Connect with loved ones to share positive experiences.

Plan for Your Pet, Too

Create a quiet space for them away from guests and holiday chaos.
Stick to their routine as much as possible.

Enter the Stress Filled Emails

Every year, when folks get stressed, it shows in their emails. Some type their emails more abruptly, which relays a blunt tone. It’s nothing personal; they’re rushed, stressed, and short on time or patience.

This intonation often comes from not including all the little details we discuss here (greeting, closing, TIA!, proper sentence structure, and grammar, for starters). But with tensions running higher this year, adding those details is even more critical.

People whip off emails with their thoughts or emotions of the moment and neglect to include the basic common courtesies—no thought for the human on the other side. Misunderstandings abound.

Contacts send emails that may be a little condescending, a tad dictatorial, or even downright rude in tone. This is because they have too much on their plate and are in a rush.

For example, yesterday, a site visitor emailed me within moments of ordering one of my eBooks, asking if I was a fraud.

I just ordered, where’s my eBook — are you a fraud?

A fraud? Wow… I think my websites being live for decades would indicate otherwise.

They hadn’t whitelisted me (as asked to do on my confirmation page), and their download link was in their spam (promotions) folder.

Make the Time for the Little Email Details

These little details contribute to our persona. When we don’t make that effort, we increase the chance of negative perception. This also applies to the Subject field, one of the first things the recipient will see and may determine whether your email is opened.

SUBJECT: Where’s my download!?!?

It turns out she did not look in her junk/trash folder. If she had read the notes throughout the order process, she would have known how to prevent this and checked there before jumping to scold me.

You don’t know how much a difference taking the time to be kind instead of reacting in kind can make in someone’s day. So, I responded courteously and asked if she checked her junk/spam/trash folders.

There was not a peep after that. There was no apology, no thank you, just crickets. I guess she found her download link.

Being Thoughtful and Considerate Only Takes a Moment

Remember that stressed-out recipients are more inclined to read between the lines and make assumptions. You know what happens when we assume? That’s why it is also wise to refrain from emotional formatting (CAPS, colors, bolding), as you risk it being amplified even more at this sentimental time of year.

Do not let your evil twin take over your email communications because you feel rushed, stressed, or overburdened. Take a moment, take a deep breath, and clear your head before tapping out any emotionally sensitive emails.

When unsure of others’ intentions, read their email out loud. Be thoughtful and give them the benefit of the doubt. Ask for clarification before jumping to conclusions.

Get in the spirit!

Don’t fall prey to the annual Holiday e-stress syndrome. You are better, wiser, and more considerate than that.

Don’t use the fact you are not face-to-face with the person on the other side of this screen to indulge in selfish emotions. Instead, be an example of happiness and good cheer — even if you feel otherwise.

More importantly, this year, it’s all about each of us helping to lift each other. That’s genuinely part of what the Holiday Spirit should include, don’t you agree?