Are you stressed about money, travel strikes, and the pressure that comes with Christmas? If so, then pop the kettle on, get cosy as this article was written especially for you.
Christmas – it can be incredibly stressful, even for the most resilient of us. But this year, alongside the usual ‘spending time with Auntie Mabel’ level of tension, we are In the midst of a cost of living crisis and if you were thinking about taking the train to get home this season, rail strikes might put a stop to that.
If it’s starting to feel like it’s testing your tolerance levels, you’re really NOT alone with that.
So, how DO you have a stress free Christmas, when patience levels are being tested?
Expect The Unexpected – Then Create A Plan For That
The first thing to do is to come to a place of acceptance. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting you focus on the negative, rather expect the unexpected, prepare yourself mentally – and then create a plan for that. Ask yourself, what is the worst thing that could happen, that if unexpected, would spoil your Christmas?
Then, come up with a plan to combat that. For example – I can’t get to the parents for Christmas, and I’m relying on them for dinner – go to the supermarket, get a small frozen turkey and the trimmings pop it in the freezer, and if the worst case scenario happens, you’ll still have your Christmas dinner, and can sit and share the experience over Zoom with them. Not quite the same as being there in person, but we managed to work it in lockdown.
Having an action plan doesn’t take away the disappointment but it takes away the last minute panic.
Let Go Of The Idea That It Needs To Be Perfect
You don’t need things to be perfect, so let go of the idea that it needs to be perfect! Christmas is about the time that we spend with loved ones. It’s about the little moments of magic, rather than the amount of stuffing balls around the turkey, or the size of the pile of presents under the Christmas tree. More often than not, we find ourselves stressed in the run up to Christmas as we are focusing on things needing to be perfect. Yes, you want to do your best and get the things that you want to gift to your special people, but if funds are tight or the strikes mean you can’t get the exact gift you want to give them, remember that YOUR TIME is the best gift to give this Christmas
Create A Christmas Chill Kit – And Make Use Of It
Have a box that you fill with your favourite tipple (not suggesting you turn to drink here) your favourite nibbles, a scented candle, and your favourite playlist. If and when things feel like too much for you, just find yourself a quiet space and take a moment to chill out a little.
Finally, remember that it’s just a day, and it goes much quicker than you imagine, so make a choice to spend the time feeling calm and positive. Because to some extent, things might happen that we have no control or say over, but we don’t have to let it ruin our Christmas
May I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones, a very Merry Christmas, and thank you for all of your support that you have shown me in 2022. I am looking forward to 2023 and as always, if you have a fear, phobia or anxiety, I will remain to be here to help you.
Best wishes!
Christopher
