Enjoying Christmas…

Pressured to produce the Perfect Christmas? (10 top tips below!)

There’s a huge consumer pressure to produce the “Perfect Christmas” (or whichever cultural tradition you hold dear): Think of all those magazine articles about this year’s Christmas tree style, and the perfect table centrepiece… There’s also the pressure to have every meal planned for a fortnight, each of which has enough calories for an entire day. It’s not just about finding the perfect present for everyone from your relatives to the postman; you also have to wrap it beautifully with hand made wrapping paper and ribbon. It’s almost enough to make you long for January’s inevitable austerity programme of diet, exercise and decluttering!

Our own expectations often add to the pressure. My mum gave a great Christmas, but I struggled to keep up all her traditions while also working full time. If I was going to avoid slaving away for a Christmas I was too exhausted to actually enjoy, I realised I had to re-visit my expectations.  Out went making fudge and toffee, and our German Christmas breakfast plates (don’t ask!). Surviving traditions include stockings (yes, even for the adults) and the main turkey event. In came some new traditions; like the cross-stitch advent calendar lovingly made by Grandma when the children were tiny – and watching the Muppet Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve.

Celebrating Christmas- your way

Start by taking a deep breath – you don’t have to join in the seasonal craziness. Take some time to talk with anyone you’re sharing Christmas with.  What makes this time of year special? When we first did this, we were surprised.  Our children talked about opening stockings, playing games together and having more family time. Contrary to the stereotype, the presents weren’t what made Christmas special for them.

So how to tackle Christmas? If you’ve worked with me already you’ll know my mantra: “Less in; More out; Organise”

Less in:

  • Avoid magazines and TV programmes about Christmas if you know you’re susceptible to consumer pressure. Maybe this year is the year to make an agreement with other family members to limit spending. Could you do a secret Santa? If you are trying to avoid unwanted pressies, how about consumables, or a promise of time? (A trip to the theatre will leave you with more memories than the latest gadget).
  • Be ready to say ‘no’ or ‘maybe’ to social events you don’t want to attend. Remember the aim is to enjoy Christmas, not to say yes to every invite!

More out:

  • If you have children, get them to sort through their room and fill a box with things they don’t play with, to make space for new toys and encourage generosity and an awareness that other people may be less fortunate than them.
  • Sort your winter coats, gloves and hats and take any you don’t wear to charity (there are people who would really benefit from your unwanted wool coat).
  • December is a great time to de-clutter your fridge and freezer: toss all the out of date pickles and unidentifiable freezer bags and eat up any bulky items so you leave plenty of space for Christmas food and leftovers.

Organise:

  • Keep a present list for family/ friends on your phone or in your handbag, so you remember what you’ve bought (try and avoid buying things which are poor quality).
  • Plan the big meals, and maybe have a couple of meals in the freezer – but don’t get sucked into shopping for the Apocalypse – it’s only a couple of days! Create a food list you can save on your computer and use for a single big online shop.
  • If you like making things, get friends around, or do it with children so that it becomes part of the festivities rather than a chore.

Finally, be sure all that effort you’re making is going towards making your Christmas special to you and the people you are spending it with. Enjoy!

If you would like my free 10 Top Tips for Christmas pdf you can download it here