Holiday stress can take a toll on all of us, but it is especially true for senior citizens, caregivers, single parents and those dealing with health issues or financial difficulties. The holiday expectations and added responsibilities ... even dealing with the cold and snowy weather ... on top of whatever issues they may already be grappling with, does cause increased stress.

During this time of caring and giving, reaching out to stressed friends and relatives is important. Acknowledging them and making them feel appreciated can make a big difference in their ability to cope. Spending some quality time with them or making extra time in your day to do something special for them is one way to show you care.

Identifying the symptoms is the first step in recognizing and doing something about the increased level of stress someone may be experiencing. Following are some signs of stress: short temper, change in eating habits, exhaustion, sleeplessness, social isolation, difficulty concentrating, anxiety and depression.

Resistance to accepting help is a common cause of stress. In our culture with its emphasis on “independence” and “doing it alone,” it's not easy to ask for help. Some view requesting help as a sign of helplessness, inadequacy or failure, when, in fact, it is a sign of strength.

A lot of times family members, neighbors and friends are often willing to help. But sometimes they hesitate to speak up because they are uncomfortable in asking, don't want to interfere or don't know what they can do. Perhaps earlier offers of assistance had been refused. That doesn't mean that they wouldn't accept help at another time. Maybe the timing wasn't right or the person was preoccupied or tired. Also, people who offer help by saying “let me know what I can do to help” often do not get a response because the recipient does not want to impose or he or she doesn't think of it when the help is actually needed.

In my research for today's column, I came across a Web site that offers great solutions for those who want to offer help or show their appreciation. To see it, visit www.ivyjoy.com/printcards/certificate.html.

Gift of time certificates, which can be found on the above Web site, make the perfect gift for holidays and birthdays or just because.

There is no shipping charge and delivery is fast and easy. Just fill out the gift certificate form, click Make my Certificate and print directly from the computer. Each will have an expiration date of one year and a unique serial number. The Web site link has a template where users can choose a “gift” of quality time or assistance with a specific task.

There is an option to leave the gift description line blank so that you can write in your own idea. The template will also let you fill in the name of the person who will receive the certificate (recipient) and the name of the giver. You can make a coupon book by printing more than one certificate and stapling them together. Get family and friends on board to spread the assistance over more people.

Consider your abilities and interests when thinking about what “gift of time” you could offer. For example, if you enjoy cooking, offer to prepare home-cooked meals in single serving containers that can be frozen and reheated when needed. Offers for help should be specific such as visiting with senior while caregiver goes to the store, or offering to pick up items for them while you are shopping for yourself. Tasks related to maintenance of the house may be easier for some people. It also helps to establish a specific time period or date so that the recipient is motivated to redeem the certificate.

Also, subtle reminders may be needed to use the certificates.

If you really feel compelled to spend money, consider gifts that would save them time or money. For example, certificates to restaurants or stores they normally patronize; professional services such as house cleaning, hairdresser/barber, massage or transportation, or phone cards to encourage them to connect with long distance family or friends.

Janet L. Taylor is an aging services specialist with the Cayuga County Office for the Aging.