Christmas is supposed to be a happy time but with so much pressure to have a ‘perfect family’ or a ‘perfect day’ it can be a stressful time for many people. This may be especially stressful this year with the current financial difficulties that lots of people are finding themselves in.
Here are some ideas on how to reduce your stress levels.
1. Manage expectations - The build up to Christmas is exciting, especially for young children. However, this is also a time when financial stress can build and if the items on Father Christmas’ list aren’t feasible, it’s important that the surprise isn’t saved until Christmas morning. Be open with your children about the cost of presents and give them an idea of what is affordable. Also manage your own expectations. If you make a list of three things that are really important for you to happen on Christmas day (make sure at least one doesn’t cost anything) eg. Nice food, family, games etc then make sure you include those in the day and let some of the other aspects slide.
2. Queue jump - Avoid the last minute chaos of the high street and shopping by thinking ahead. Make a list of the items you need to get and delegate if necessary! Make use of home delivery and internet shopping. Stock up on the basics and only shop in person for the important ‘extras’. Many special offers and sales are available online if you just shop around. You could also use price comparison websites to make sure you are getting a good deal. Some companies offer saving schemes where you are able to pay monthly for your Christmas presents. Everything doesn’t have to come out of one month’s budget.
3. Cutback commitments - If the thought of a drinks party with the neighbours or mince pie with old friends adds to the festive headache, politely decline. Be sensible about the amount of time you can commit to entertaining and being entertained! If the Christmas break provides a welcome opportunity to relax then take it. Be aware of these additional costs to your budget too as hidden extras can cause stress later on.
4. Share - If the Christmas build up leaves you feeling overwhelmed, share your concerns with someone close. Confiding in someone else will help you to rationalise your worries. Plan to also share the responsibility for the day itself, so that its success does not rest on your shoulders and in your mind. People will be happy to contribute. Maybe ask different members of the family to be responsible for a different course of the meal or for the drinks, or chocolates, or for the washing up, or organising games. Make sure that you allow time to just enjoy the day rather than just cramming all your time with activities and jobs.
5. Healthy mind - Exercise will help clear the mind and often, remove you from the immediate and often chaotic environment of home and its a free way to spend part of the day. Children often welcome the chance to run around and release all the pent up excitement too. If this isn’t possible on Christmas Day itself why not plan to do it Boxing Day afternoon? You can wear that new Christmas jumper or socks then too!
6. Keep perspective - Remember who and what is important at times of intense stress. The moment will pass and you’ll find comfort in letting it do so without the build up of emotion. Taking some deep breaths and imagining a calm place can help too. Saying something positive to yourself either silently or out loud may help too. If it is too much then offer to help with something in a different room or go get some air etc. removing yourself from the situation can help.
7. Relax - Don’t give yourself a hard time about making Christmas perfect. The responsibility doesn’t rest with one person and it’s worth always remembering that for most, it’s just one day of the year. Try some of the relaxation tips from the BBC on: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/emotional_health/mental_health/coping_relaxation.shtml
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