The Best Way To Survive Christmas

No.1 The Best Way to Survive Christmas
by Susan Leigh

Christmas is a time filled with anticipation. The festive spirit looms large with dreams of happy families and joyful celebrations. The reality is often rather different!

Planning ahead can help.

So let’s have a look at some ways you can relieve the pressure on you for Christmas:

– Decide on a budget for gifts in advance and agree with friends and adult family members how much you’re spending on each other. Often people are silently relieved that the issue is out in the open.

– Be steady with the booze. Alcohol is a major factor in many Christmas events, but an excess can result in horror stories. This year why not pace the booze, alternate dry days, ensure that there are soft drinks available, and arrange alcohol-free activities?

– Plan ahead so that meals are organised. Stock the freezer and prepare dishes in advance. People will be appreciate being served a simple snack of homemade soup and fresh bread after all the heavy, rich dinners.

– Let others help. Some tasks can be delegated and often people enjoy being included. It is their Christmas too, and if they have not done as good a job as you, that’s fine.

– Introduce games as an alternative to television. Many people find that they enjoy indoor games like charades and board games. Outdoor games like football and rounders or a walk in the local park can introduce fresh air and a welcome change of scenery.

– Acquire a timetable for local seasonal events. Carol services, interesting local markets, and concerts can all provide a welcome distraction to house guests and potentially give you a break too.

– Prepare for minor accidents and have a first aid kit available.

– Look after yourself. Remember to record your favourite programmes, ensure that you schedule some things that appeal to you, organise a rota for chores, and let others help.

– Have something booked to look forward to in January. Plan ahead and book a meal out, arrange a glamorous dress-up evening at someone’s house where everyone provides a dish or organise a pamper evening. Schedule something fun that provides a good feeling during the post-Christmas period.

– And remember, not everything has to be perfect. In fact, it’s often the mishaps that become the family anecdotes. They are the times that people later recall with affection.

Enjoy an organised Christmas

Love, Susan

Susan delivers Counselling and Hypnotherapy for individuals, couples and businesses to manage stress, improve confidence, and self-esteem and improve relationships. http://www.lifestyletherapy.net