Some top tips on enjoying Christmas

With the festive season on the horizon, our thoughts turn to meeting up with friends and family. There will be plenty of opportunities to party, eat out and generally make merry over this most sociable of seasons.

Here are a few tips for surviving and enjoying the Christmas period:

Don’t feel that you have left it too long. Christmas is the perfect time of year to catch up with people you have not connected with for a while. Get back in touch via a card, phone call or through social media – you will probably find that it is easy to pick things up right where you left off.

Don’t overdo it! Especially at an occasion such as an office party – there’s always that one colleague who goes a little bit too far with their drunken dance routines or flirts with the boss. Don’t let that person be you.

Do make it a magical time for the kids. Factor some time in to focus on them so that they don’t get overwhelmed in the run up to Christmas Day. Make a note of key dates and especially all those nursery and school concerts and performances so you don’t miss anything.

Don’t forget your friends! Make a date for some time together with your besties – it can be a great release to spend time over a long lunch or festive dinner, especially when family and work feel hectic.

Do take the time to visit older or isolated relatives or neighbours. With the hectic festive whirl going on around them, this can be a difficult time for people who live on their own. Hand deliver your card and take time for a chat – that could be the best Christmas gift you could offer.

Don’t forget to spend special time with your partner. Make time for just the two of you to go out for a drink, a day away or even a night.

Do have a family day out to a festive event. With so many venues hosting fairs, Santa’s grottos, music and entertainment, make sure you all get together for family fun.

Don’t say no when you can say yes, yes, yes. Accept invitations and go with the flow, you never know what Christmas surprises are in store!

Make sure a family gettogether is on your festive to-do list.