Christmas is often regarded as one of the most wonderful time of the year with it being very picturesque and sold to us as our nuclear families all gathering to celebrate with plenty of food and gifts. This is not the case for everyone, but those who attempt to achieve this often experience a significant amount of stress. We get stressed about Christmas because of social pressures and the way that Christmas is now marketed to us. We feel obliged to attend work parties and meet up with friends and family before the big day, spending time and money on the catch up themselves as well as new outfits and gifts before. In addition to this, there is an expensive and never ending list of food and presents to buy in the lead up. These pressures combined often lead to bickering with our loved ones. However, in today’s blog post we will be talking about how you can take control and reduce the amount of stress that the holiday season can cause with some simple and easy steps and increase your enjoyment of this period.
- Budgeting
It is important that in the run up to Christmas you set yourself a budget and stick to it. Avoiding credit cards and finance options will ensure that your debt stays where it is and keep your future expenses and stress at a minimum. Only spend what you are willing and happy to spend and that does not have to be much at all. When you have doubts remind yourself that how much thought went into the gift is really what matters rather than how much it cost. Homemade gifts and joint experiences are truly priceless.
- Me Time
The holidays are jam packed of everyone taking time from you whether this is as direct as meeting up with people or spending time shopping for someone. This can make us feel pressured and that there is a lack of time for yourself. Every day try and take just a little time out to recharge whether this is doing a hobby, exercising or relaxing in the bath. If that does not float your boat, have a look at 50 ways to take a break below.
3. Say No
It is easy to get wrapped up in consistently saying yes, especially at this time of year because of the values we assign to Christmas. But practicing saying no is healthy and give you headspace. Declining invites because you do not have the money, time or energy is completely reasonable and if they are good friends or family they will understand.
4. Ask for Help
If you are starting to feel overwhelmed, make sure that you ask for help. Christmas is the time to rally together and there is no benefit to struggle by yourself when the tasks can be divvied out or done together.
5. If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
More and more due to social media we consistently try to out do ourselves or our peers. However, this is a key cause of stress. Look at your Christmas last year and evaluate what went well and repeat those things. The things that did not go so well, drop them this year. In addition to this reuse what you have from last year, save yourself money, time and hassle by reusing or recycling last years decorations. There is no need to over complicate things.
6. Simplifying
Speaking of not over complicating things make life easier by simply doing less this year. Less parties, less presents, less traveling, less cooking. Do only the things that matter to you and your values. Being more present in the moment and enjoying it is better than more presents. Furthermore, your happiness and appreciation will breed this in others.
