Getting through the stresses of Christmas
Christmas can be a time of stress and worry. What could you do to make things more enjoyable? Ask yourself - What is most important to me about Christmas? Then, keep focussed on that and let go of the rest. Don’t overburden yourself by believing everything has to be just like the ‘ideal version of a perfect family Christmas.’ Your Christmas is just that, the one that fi ts you and your circumstances. It can be however you want it to be.
For most people being with friends and family is important at Christmas, but it’s not necessary to force everyone to be together just because it’s Christmas. If people haven’t got on for years, it’s very unlikely that some turkey and a spot of tinsel will heal the rift. Why risk a big row and be anxious all day? Choose to see small groups of people separately instead.
Whatever type of Christmas you want, you probably wouldn’t choose to burn the dinner or to forget anything. Try to avoid this by planning, and accepting help.
Find out about the closing times of shops you know you will need to visit, and about delivery times if ordering online. If posting cards and presents, ask about the latest posting dates. It’s also useful to keep details handy for pharmacies that will be open, and have medical numbers such as NHS Direct close by, and the vet too if you have pets. If travelling by car, fi nd out which petrol stations will be open and check tyres, oil and water before you go. Revised bus and train timetables are usually published well in advance, so hunt these out too.
You are not alone. Sharing with friends, family and neighbours is part of the Christmas spirit. Let go of needing to do everything yourself.
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Some families split the meal duties: One part of the family brings a starter, the host household do the main and other guests bring along a pudding for example. Perhaps you know that your friend works right next to that shop on the other side of town that you can just never fi nd time to get to - ask them to pop in and get what you need, you’d do the same for them wouldn’t you?
If things don’t go quite to plan- ask yourself will this matter in 5 years time? Chances are it won’t be signifi cant at all. Many things that seem disastrous at the time are laughed at later.
However Christmas turns out, and however much you have or don’t have, choose to be grateful. No matter how diffi cult things are - notice what you have rather than what you don’t have, and you will fi nd plenty of Christmas joy.
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