I know, it’s heading towards us like a Coke, or Cadbury truck running away down hill fast, but inquiries are now making their appearance for stress relief for Christmas.
- Think about what Christmas really means to you. For Christians, this is an obvious question. But for those who are not religious, it’s about tradition, and modern day British Christmas is a product of one Charles Dickens. In Victorian times it was a way to show one’s wealth, and to share one’s wealth. But that’s old hat today, as many of us accumulate everything we need by our mid 20’s. So perhaps it is correct that Christmas is for children.
Second make presents
- Make presents instead of buying presents. Having a personal touch can mean so much more to a person than how much you spent on them. So if you can cook, knit, sew, turn wood, then this is much more likely to mean something, then spending £50 on something they don’t want. Reduce the amount you’re spending on people, perhaps spending more on the kids than on adults.
Third plan for stress free Christmas
- Plan ahead. Make sure you give yourself enough time to do all the shopping you need well in advance, which means by the end of November really. Make Christmas dinner a simple as you can, it doesn’t have to be over elaborate, despite all the supermarkets suggest.
Forth a task for all
- Give each family member, a task that they can do. One to lay the table on Christmas day, another to write out the Christmas cards etc. You don’t have to do it all.
Fifth gold rings for stress free Christmas
- If the extended family do not get on, then perhaps spread Christmas out to include Christmas eve and Boxing day. In Eastern Europe Christmas is celebrated on Christmas eve and it could mean that you can see everyone you want without fighting for space and everyone getting on.
Sixth don’t drink
- Don’t drink too much alcohol, most of family disagreements happen when too much alcohol has been consumed. Make sure you have plenty of soft drinks and water to hand, as being in a warm centrally heated house with a lot of people can dehydrate you and make you feel in a bad mood.
Seventh – relax
- Treat yourself to some relaxation, either in the form of a massage or some hypnotherapy. Perhaps take up yoga or meditation to help.
Eighth buy through the year
- Buy presents throughout the year, not just in December. Too late now I know, but start preparing next year as soon as Christmas decorations make their initial showing in September and get them all out of the way.