10 ways to avoid Christmas stress

Top 10 Ways to Avoid Christmas Stress

Are you feeling a sense of overwhelm building as we get closer to the big day? Here are my top ten tips for avoiding Christmas stress over the next few weeks.

    1.  Accept it is happening

Whether you like it or not, the 25th will arrive soon. Try to feel at ease at it approaches and go with the flow.

    2.  Do it in your own time

There are people who have it all bought and wrapped by mid-November. If you are not that person, accept it and give yourself a break.

    3.  Be realistic.

Be clear about what you have the time and resources to do and stick with your plan.

    4.  Manage relationships

Relationship complications don’t go away because it is Christmas. Realising this will help you to avoid feeling down because the usual rows have broken out.

    5.  Avoid comparison

This is your Christmas. Avoid comparing what you can do with the rest of the neighbourhood (and everyone on Facebook)

    6.  Budget

Not the cheeriest word to associate with Christmas but if you don’t want to spend the rest of the year paying for it, set a budget and stick to it.

    7.  Forget the perfect gift.

There really is no such thing so let the idea go.

    8.  Learn to say ‘no’.

Avoid FOMO (fear of missing out) thoughts and don’t overstretch your social life during this period. You can say no and spend some evenings curled up in front of a Christmas movie.

    9.  Fancy food is not necessary

People who visit you are coming to see you not your food offering. When you have people over keep the food simple so you can enjoy socialising too. 

    10.  Be grateful

When it all feels too much, take a moment to focus on the reasons you have to be grateful right now. Even take some time to write them down if it will help.

Everyone’s holiday experience is unique to them and it’s important to remember there are NO rules.

Clare Downham

Unique Journey

www.uniquejourney.co.uk