Celebs’ tips on how to have a stress-free Christmas
How to keep a clear head this festive season
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Or… is it? Your bank account is maxed out, you’ve just accepted your 15th invitation for Christmas drinks, and the thought of spending 24 hours with your extended family is giving you anxiety. Argh!
We put so much pressure on ourselves to make sure that everything is perfect at Christmas time, when in actual fact, behind the scenes, it can be more intense than a Bush Tucker Trial. We spoke to expert organiser Nicola Lewis (@thisgirlcanorganise) – who has streamlined the homes of celebs including Gemma Collins and Zoe Ball – to find out how she stays on top of things over Christmas. We’ve also uncovered some celebs’ tips and tricks to find out how they survive the seasonal period without poking their eyes out.
Get organised
Before December even arrives, Nicola recommends getting a plan together. “With life being so busy and us being so time-poor, Christmas does become quite overwhelming for people who aren’t naturally organised,” she says. “I’m afraid I’m that smug friend who’s done everything.”
Fellow smugster Holly Willoughby also gets on top of her Santa duties early. “I’m all wrapped up [by the beginning of December]. I love Christmas so much that I want to really enjoy December without panicking about shopping and wrapping. I like to do nice things, like going to see The Nutcracker and Elf, and we’ll go to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. I just want to enjoy it.”
Olympic diver Tom Daley revealed he’s a secret list lover, adding, “My big top tip would be to write lists way in advance of what you need to get. For example, a list of who you need to buy gifts for and what to buy them, and check it off as you go.”
Chrissy Teigen (who we think might be our Christmas spirit animal) says of her laid-back approach, “I take things one day at a time. This year, I just feel like it really just snuck up so quickly.” We hear you!
Luckily for us, Nicola has created a fool-proof schedule (see right) that will guarantee you nail it this Noël. “It’s designed to help you think about what needs to be done, and then you can break it down through each week so it’s not overwhelming,” she tells us. “Start off with your general ideas about what you want to do and what’s important for you – do you want to see panto? Do you want to book a nail appointment? Do you need to order the food or book a restaurant? Then, spread it out over the Christmas period.”
entertaining hacks
Whether you’re bulk-buying vol-au-vents or calling in the caterers, Christmas can be a stressful time for those who are entertaining – especially with so much expectation on the big day. Lorraine Kelly has some words of wisdom. “Think of Christmas simply as Sunday lunch that’s grown a bit big for its boots,” she says. “Also, delegate as much as you can. If friends are coming over, assign them tasks. Someone can bring the starter, another can make the trifle, and others can supply the crackers, games to play, DVDS to watch and sweeties to eat.”
Sam Faiers admits that she’s kept things more relaxed since becoming a mum. “When I was younger, I used to love glitter tights, so I’d wear them with a little dress,” she says. “But for the last two years, since I had the babies, I’ve dressed smart-ish for dinner then, straight away, swapped that outfit for pyjamas. Now I have kids, I’m all about being cosy.” If you’re stressed about the footfall in your house rivalling that of shoppers on Oxford Street, Nicola has some tips to keep things manageable.
“Before anyone arrives, give yourself 30 minutes and walk around with a timer, allocating a certain amount of time per room. Remove stuff that doesn’t belong in that space – I always put everything that needs to be sorted out into my bedroom, as hardly anyone ever goes upstairs. Remember that people are coming to see you and not your home. The perfect time for me is when the house is getting filled with memories and there are glasses everywhere.”
But if you really can’t bear the chaos, take a tip from Freddie Flintoff, who says, “Go away at Christmas or book a restaurant. I know everyone likes Christmas at home, but you can open up your gifts, spend time at home and play around with all the presents, go out and get something to eat and
‘My top tip is to write lists way in advance’ tom Daley
come home – or else you’ll be washing up all afternoon.”
staying sane
Hands up if you’re guilty of trying to see everyone in your contacts list before Christmas Eve – as if December is the last chance you’ll ever get to see them? Nicola’s advice is to just say no. “Otherwise you won’t have any time to see your family – and that’s the whole point, isn’t it?” she says. Fearne Cotton agrees, saying, “People feel like
Christmas is non-stop joy, and that’s so not the case. You’re not a freak for not feeling happy. If you do feel down, seeing someone you can offload onto is a good way to feel less alone.”
And if playing Santa is going to leave you in the red, think very carefully before you buy. “This sounds quite cheesy, but the gift is spending time with people you care about,” Nicola explains. “We have been guided to consume so much – you have advent calendars, Christmas Eve boxes, and it’s got out of control. This year I’m doing a reverse advent calendar, so each day I’ll give something to charity. Also, I know it’s controversial, but I think it’s cool to re-gift things. It’s a sensible and economical thing to do – it’ll save you money.”
As Jada Pinkett Smith (a lady who could afford anything) says, “If you let go of the whole idea of receiving gifts, then Christmas is truly about communion and being with the family. That’s what I look forward to.” n