Christmas can be one of the most stressful times of the year with lots going on, lots of people coming and going, plus finding that perfect gift for a loved one, but what can we do to make life a little less stressful at this time so that we can also enjoy this festive time!

Here’s 5 of our top tips….

Tip #1 – Preparation

Being prepared is a must for any time you are about to go into a stressful time.  If you were to take an overseas holiday (ok, maybe not this year!) how long would you spend in preparation and planning to make it the best trip ever?  You would never turn up to the airport on the day of departure and then decide where you want to go.  We spend so much time, yet when it comes to Christmas, we often leave things to the last minute. 

Be like Santa…. Make a list and check it twice!  Being prepared and organised will massively reduce stress levels.

Tip #2 – Remember

Remember what this time of year is actually all about for you and your family.  Is it all about having the perfect lunch with all the trimmings, or is it about laughing and spending time with your family.  Maybe it is time to throw out your traditions if they are stressing you out.  Maybe you don’t need 4 different roasts, maybe just one would be enough to provide a great meal that allows everyone to spend time with each other.  Maybe it is time to do what is ‘right’ for you and your family, rather than what is ‘expected’ of us at this time of year.

What sort of Christmas do you want and then plan the day to allow that to happen.

Tip #3 – Budget

This budget tip actually fits in with tip #1 and #2 because you need to be prepared and also remember what it is you want to achieve.  Make a list and set a budget for things such as presents so that you don’t end up having a “budget hangover” in January from overspending at Christmas.  Maybe this is the year to make gifts for family and friends.  What would be a thoughtful gift rather than just an expensive gift. 

Tip #4 – Care

A busy and stressful time can also mean that you may not look after yourself.  Watch how much you eat and drink during this festive season…. Yes we really just said that!  Make sure you are getting enough sleep and that you take a little time out for yourself.  For a time that should be a great time to spend with your family and rest and recover going into the new year, we often do the opposite and wear ourselves out.  Now, don’t get us wrong, if you want to go to parties and spend time with friends and extended family, then that is great!  But if you find yourself getting particularly stressed over this time, then take a little time out for you.

Tip #5 – Fun

Make sure you have some fun this year over the festive season.  A good laugh, lots of chats and spending time with your family (well the ones you like!) can be great for your soul.  Often times we go into a busy time of the year assuming it will be stressful and guess what, we make it stressful.  What if you decided this year instead of stressful you made it fun?  It can happen, but you need to decide that that’s how it will happen!  Prepare for fun rather than stress.

We hope that this is a great little reminder for the coming weeks to not make this time of year stressful, but instead enjoy this time.  We are wishing you a very Merry …. And stress free…. Christmas!