If your blood pressure starts to rise the moment the Christmas countdown begins, follow our nifty tips and tricks to keep a festive meltdown at bay
TIPS FOR A CHRISTMAS
IN THE LEAD UP
MAKE LISTS! The satisfaction of ticking things off as you go along is a great anxiety controller, and you can feel virtuous when you see how much you’ve done!
1 3 4 2 spending more than you intended.
Set a budget and stick to it! Spending even just a couple of extra pounds here and there can soon
see your finances spiral out of control and leave you stressed out at the expense!
BE A CANNY SHOPPER! In the weeks leading to Christmas, head for the supermarket last thing – or first thing in the morning – when the offers have just been put out and hone your bargain-hunting skills!
Pay for presents with cash when out shopping. This helps you keep on top of your budget more easily. Buying on a credit card is harder to keep tabs on and you could end up
5
PLAN AHEAD! If you don’t want to spend hours slaving over a hot oven
on Christmas Day, why not choose to serve things you can make and freeze a few weeks in advance – perhaps a soup to start, the cheese sauce for the main, a cake for dessert. That way you’ll have more time to spend with your family and guests.