Living well
Eleanor offers five tips for making time for yourself and focusing on what really matters this Christmas
Eleanor Ozich offers simple tips for how to give yourself the gift of self-care this Christmas
As I’ve got older, I’ve become more conscious of just how overwhelming the festive season can be, and how easy it is to get caught up in the craziness of it all. The build-up to Christmas can often bring a sense of pressure to do much more than we usually would – attend more get-togethers, search for more presents and spend more money. And yet I think we all know, deep down, that the most important thing about Christmas is taking the time to relax and simply be with those you love.
This year, I’m giving myself permission to slow things down and ensure I’m calm and happy – for everyone’s sake, not just my own. Here are a few ideas for simplifying the holiday season and creating more opportunities for togetherness and meaningful tradition.
1 TAKE SOME TIME OUT
With all the mayhem and to-do lists at this time of year, we often let our selfcare slide, then wonder why we feel worn out. Give yourself permission to indulge in some me-time, such as enjoying a leisurely bath or going to see a movie. I love visiting the cinema alone as it’s such a treat to watch what I please and not have to worry about anyone else. Consider what makes you feel good and book it into the diary.
2 HONOUR YOUR BOUNDARIES
’Tis the season for booked-out social calendars. Don’t get me wrong, this can be a beautiful thing, especially if it means spending more time with those you love. However, it’s important to be mindful of over-committing. Give yourself the gift of saying no from time to time, and create clear boundaries with your time.
3 EXAMINE YOUR THOUGHTS
If you find yourself feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, it’s worth taking a moment to work out what is making you feel stressed out, and how you can flip the way you feel about it. Although it might seem that something or someone is causing you stress, you are the only one who gets to decide how you feel about a situation. Accept the fact that things will always happen that are beyond your control, then – holding fast to that fact – allow yourself to let things go and know that this is absolutely okay.
4 STICK TO FAMILIAR RECIPES
Given the heightened emotions and excitement of Christmas Day, I’ve learned that it’s best to stick to recipes I know and love, rather than trying out something new. Avoid the pressure of having to create a ‘perfect’ menu and instead make the simple, dependable recipes that you have enjoyed time and again. For example, I love baking my favourite cherry almond tart (you can find the recipe at eleanorozich.com).
5 SIMPLIFY TRADITIONS
Lastly, the calming traditions that we love as a family are those that are old-fashioned and create a sense of togetherness. Rather than focusing my energy on purchasing presents, I prefer to choose experiences that lift my spirits and create a sense of fun.
Whether it be tree-decorating, cooking or handcrafting gifts, I encourage you to choose a small handful of activities that bring lightness and laughter to the season. Perhaps you feel bored by traditions you’ve had in the past? Spend some time reflecting on each part of your typical Christmas and decide whether it brings you joy or is something you do out of habit. Don’t be afraid to adapt or replace traditions to make them more meaningful – and more fun!