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Planning! The problem with Christmas
is often all the last minute panics, the expense and extra work. Planning ahead
is the key. |
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Plan who you are going to send cards to. Buy,
or make, them well in advance and ensure they are written some weeks before
Christmas. This really helps with those last minute panics. If you have just
moved [another very stressful time!] the cards can also be used to
notify friends and family of your new address. This will be helpful for not
only you, but also the recipients [who may think you have forgotten them if
they get their cards returned - "addressee unknown"!]. |
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Plan who you are going to send presents to,
and work out a realistic budget to work within. It is the thought that counts,
not the size of the present! By over spending at Christmas you are more than
likely going to have post Christmas blues when your credit card statement
arrives! |
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Shop in good time - shopping just before the
holiday season can be a nightmare! |
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If you are going to be away, make sure you
have made arrangements for the safety and security of your home. Make sure
papers have been cancelled, neighbours have contact details for you and your
home secured. For those with pets ensure they are not forgotten - catteries and
kennels can get booked up long before the start of the Christmas
season! |
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Moderation is the key if you really
want to enjoy all the Christmas festivities to the full! |
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It is only too easy to eat and drink to
excess at this time. Not only can this cause discomfort [and guilt!],
during the festive period, it can also be an another excellent cause of post
Christmas stress when action might need to be urgently taken to ease your
straining waistband! |
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We often spend a great deal of the holiday
period stretched out, for example, glued to the television or playing computer
games. Some gentle exercise each day can really help you feel much more alive
and ready to enjoy the festivities. |
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Burning the candle at both ends is a common
past time for many people at Christmas. The result - exhaustion! Make a time
every day for a period of relaxation. Not only can this help recharge you, it
can also offset some of the fraught moments of Christmas which are caused by
tired minds and frayed nerves. |
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Communicate - poor communication can
often lead to misunderstandings and stress! |
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Rows often blow up about how Christmas is
going to be spent, let alone where it is going to be spent, and with whom. Try
and sit down before, and during Christmas, and talk it through, negotiating
where necessary. Be sensitive to the needs of those who find Christmas
difficult. Allow them their space but make them feel they would be really
welcome if they wish to join in. |
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Christmas can be very difficult for those
alone, perhaps far from friends and family. If you are in this situation plan
ahead on how you are going to spend the time. What about joining up with
someone else in the same situation? Never forget there are many organisations
who would really welcome your help on the day - what about offering your help
to local hospitals, old peoples home or children's homes? It can be really
helpful to them and great fun for you! |
