December 14th, 2006
Christmas Stress
Most people I know hate Christmas. It seems that it’s not a happy period for many of us - apparently, most people split up during this period and the biggest family rows break out over the Christmas holidays. Also, most food poisoning, alcohol related accidents & suicides happen at this time of the year. However, Christmas comes every year and we have to survive it. We have 11 days left to endure and the stress that comes with it has started. Yet it doesn’t really have to be that stressful! If you try to be well organised and/or don’t let Christmas get to you, you can survive it. Here is a guide to avoid Christmas stress and panic..
1, Be organised
First, make a “to do” list - this is not the same for everyone, it depends on your circumstances. For example consider the following issues :
Will you be around? Will you be hosting the Christmas dinner? If not, will you be hosting a pre-Christmas party? For whom do you need to buy presents? How many cards do you need to send? Do you need to decorate your home?
When your list is done - don’t leave everything to the last minute! Dedicate a few hours per week to each task such as - writing your cards, buying presents, putting up the decorations, shopping for dinner or party and so on. By now you should have done most of these tasks - if not, don’t panic, just take them one at a time, you still have 10 days to do them!
2, Simplicity
Don’t overdo things - simple decorations, presents and party food are more powerful than OTT things. Don’t waste your money on useless & soulless presents - try to make them yourself. Think of the recipients - why don’t you make them some customised picture frames, a CD collection of their favourite music or a digital photo album of your times together? You also can easily make some festive cookies, scented candles, personalized clothing & soft furnishings and so on… Make your own Christmas cards and send e-cards to those who are online.
3, Go away
If you really can’t stand the Christmas stress - just go abroad! Although Europeans celebrate Christmas - it’s not such a big commercial hocus-pocus as over here. They have a simple family dinner on Christmas Eve, then go to Church for midnight mass, or go to bed. The Southern Hemisphere is another possibility - having Christmas dinner outside in hot sunshine is a very interesting experience! Before you go away, tell everyone that’s what you’ll be doing - and ask people not to get you any presents.
4, Let go
Don’t let other people (particularly family members) upset you. Think about what you want and how you want them. Focus on these and other positive elements of your life or home. When people give you negative comments - just breathe in and let go. I know, it’s not easy. Also, you don’t have to be around people you don’t like or those who give you a hard time.