Christmas is the season to be jolly, not stressed. And that goes for everyone! No one wants the festive period to whizz by in a flash because they were too busy stocking their cupboards, stuffing the turkey, peeling potatoes and going to extravagant lengths to please everyone.
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So, we’ve come up with some quick tips and tricks to help you have a stress-free and more meaningful Christmas with your loved ones.
Manage expectations
Whether money is tight this year or not, managing expectations with family and friends is important. Discuss with everyone if you’re buying presents or just enjoying each other’s company, so no one is left wondering what’s going on.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that everyone needs a lavish gift to be happy – Christmas is all about quality time with loved ones. Some little gifts here and there can be heart-warming, but they’re by no means a necessity.
Ask everyone to contribute
Family gatherings can cost a fair bit, especially if you’ve got a big one! If it’s your turn to host this year, don’t be afraid to ask everyone to contribute something to ease the burden on you and your household.
This could be bringing some drinks, snacks, puddings or anything that helps make your family Christmas special. How about asking someone to come prepared with some fun games for everyone to play? At least that’ll be one less thing to worry about.
Get some help
Planning, preparing and executing the festivities is something that many people pride themselves on, but there’s no shame in bringing in a little help this Christmas. Everyone needs a break after all!
Sending e-Christmas cards could tick a traditionally time-consuming task off your list while getting a delivery of Christmas dinner ingredients to your door could save you the hassle of shopping. Instead, focus on spending time with your loved ones and making the most of your time together.
Be okay not saying yes to everything
Christmas pulls us in all directions socially. There are work parties, social gatherings, family events and much more going on for a lot of us. These can be overwhelming if you’ve already got your own plans to consider in the background.
Being okay with saying no to some of these invitations or commitments could be a big part of you having a less stressful festive period, particularly if it gives you a little more time to relax. Identify your priorities and you’ll be able to better allocate your energy, resources and money over December.
There’s always going to be some form of stress at Christmas. Whether it’s finding that tricky present for someone or getting all the right ingredients together, there are ways to help you relax a little more. How could you enjoy your Christmas a little more this year?
