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TOP TIPS FOR AVOIDING STRESS
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Stop caring so much and let go. Many people, especially women, get caught up in anxiety about it all being perfect, but it never is and most people don’t really care about what colour wrapping paper you bought or about getting it all right. Those around you would like you to be less stressed, so make a decision to have fun and to stop pressuring yourself.
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Outsource – get the kids involved, be creative and delegate tasks even if they won’t be done as well as you’d like. Then put your feet up, have a glass of wine and relax.
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Cut your to-do list in half. Don’t send a card to that old acquaintance who you’ve not spoken to in years – they won’t care or even notice, but you will notice the extra work. Cook less food – there is always far too much anyway and who actually wants to eat turkey curry, turkey sandwiches, etc, until the decorations come down?
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Lower your expectations. If your mother-in-law is awful, Christmas is not going to change that. Just accept it and smile, don’t
’TIS the season for goodwill to all men – even your in-laws. While we sit around the Christmas tree, drinking mulled wine and opening presents, sometimes things aren’t as perfect as you’d like. Being cooped up indoors, drinking too much alcohol and spending time with relatives we only see once a year can take their toll. Even arguments with significant others soar as we strive for the ideal Christmas break.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here JENNIFER DUNKERLEY asks love coach Kate Mansfield, left, to bring us her top 15 ways to survive the festivities…
rise to the bait, detach and let it wash over you – is it really worth it? It’s just one day a year.
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Write a list of what you are grateful for. Make it the simple things – a roof over your head, enough to eat, your family and so on. Think about how lucky you are compared to many people in the world or even that you know. This can quickly change your perspective and make you enjoy the festivities more.
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Have a walk. When things get heated or overwhelming, just go out for a 10-minute breather.
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Don’t overspend. Credit is soaring and the stress afterwards is not worth it, so just spend less and get everyone to appreciate that it is the thought that counts.
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Pace yourself. Don’t overeat or drink too much, especially early in the day. You might say or do something that you regret.
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Do some charity work, especially if you don’t want to spend time with your family. Volunteer for a good cause – it’s a great way to feel good and avoid the whole thing altogether.
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A great and fun way to cut your bills right down is to do Secret Santa, where everyone buys one person a gift and that’s it.
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Say what you want. If you don’t ask, you don’t get, so it saves a lot of disappointment.
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Give emotionally, rather than financially. Kids may say they want a new Nintendo Switch, but most really want your time. Consider Christmas as a time to do less and be there for them more – play some games and connect.
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Make a plan and share the load. Be clear about what you are willing to do and make sure that your nearest and dearest know your plans and agree to share the load.
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Stop trying to be perfect – it only causes rows and makes you miserable.
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Use Christmas as a time for romance and love. Tell your partner and family how much you love them, give hugs and kisses and enjoy it. And why not get a bit fruity under the mistletoe?