"Coping with Christmas" by Clair Wavell

This article first appeared in the Portslade Pages in November 2006

The clocks have gone back, the heating is on and the selection boxes have been on the shelves for weeks, it can only mean on thing…Christmas is on its way. Most of us feel exhausted from the build up alone and can’t wait for the whole thing to be over, but it does not need to be this way. With a few simple changes, realistic expectations and a bit of planning you can still have an enjoyable time without the burn out or empty wallet.

So what can you do to make this Christmas as stress free as possible?

1. Be honest about the type of Christmas you want. Would you like a day with just your immediate family? Maybe you would like to be with your friends or perhaps going away appeals? Everyone can be accommodated in some way but it’s about finding a balance.

2. Be aware about what causes you stress and think of ways to minimise this before hand. Stay focused on the solution rather than the problem and talk openly about it if it helps.

3. Take control of your time and plan ahead. List everything that needs doing and decide when you will fit it all in. Ask family members for help and be realistic, if you don’t have time to make your own mince pies it’s not the end of the world.

4. As you are in control of your time, allow a few hours for some fun and relaxation. It could as simple as a haircut, a nice walk or an afternoon reading a book.

5. Take time to work out your budget before you start shopping and be sensible. Take into account the number and cost of gifts, food and drink, parties, new outfits and any travel and stick to it.

6. If you don’t have the money cut back and be honest with people telling them upfront, they will appreciate your honesty and may even follow your lead.

7. Look after your health; drink plenty of water, eat well, get enough sleep, exercise regularly and think about taking a supplement like Echinacea to keep your immune system boosted.

8. Try to be more assertive; ask for help before and on the day, know you have the right to decline invites if you don’t want to go out night after night, and remember Christmas does not mean having to please everyone around you.

9. Be realistic about people, they don’t change just because it’s Christmas. Try to think ahead about who or what causes tension in the family and work together to find a compromise.

10. And last of all make sure you have the essentials in the house like tin foil for the turkey and batteries for the new toys, these small things can make a big difference to the enjoyment of the day!