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Article Keep calm this Christmas

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Easier said than done, I hear you say after reading this title.

It seems like an oxymoron having the words ‘calm’ and ‘Christmas’ in same sentence.

For most of us, the run up to Christmas and even the special day itself, is anything but calm. Adverts talk about the ‘Christmas Frenzy’, the ‘Christmas Rush’, ‘Last Minute Bargains’ reading these has an immediate impact on our subconscious mind. The brain takes on the commands of Frenzy, Rush and Last Minute. No wonder we get stressed.

These marketing messages are both sublime and powerful. In fact they make my brain overheat. The good new is that it doesn’t have to be this way. You can choose to do it differently this year.

As a mum with older teenagers, I look back and wish I’d relaxed and had more fun on 25th December every year. Here’s my gift to you – a few tips, I’ve learned along the way.

  • Eat out.
  • Ask for help.
  • Enjoy yourself.
  • It’s ok to say no.
  • Keep lunch simple.
  • Be flexible and free.
  • Turn your phone off.
  • Breathe slow and deep.
  • Keep visits short and fun.
  • Get people to bring a plate.
  • Have a party not perfection.
  • Create memories, not stress.
  • Get overexcited kids outdoors.
  • Don’t throw money at every problem.
  • It’s all about the atmosphere not the gifts.
  • Resolve family rows before Christmas day.
  • Keep rolls of sticky tape and scissors handy.
  • Have a ‘lucky dip’ so you’re not buying for everyone.
  • Set a budget, so January is not a shock of huge bills.
  • Treat yourself to a massage when late night shopping.
  • Be grateful for every gift and appreciate the effort of others.
  • Play your favourite music when trying to find a parking space.
  • It’s the welcome that is important, not how clean your house is.
  • Get tree and lights out early, to make sure everything is working.
  • Keep spending to minimum, home made decorations, keeps kids busy.
  • Don’t compare your house, your tree, your cooking, your family etc to others.

Do you have any other tips? Share with us below! 

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Comments

  • We are all different and for me I would hate to eat out at Christmas time. I love how excited my family are with the special Christmas fare I make. Christmas would not be the same without it.

    Reply

  • Merry Christmas all moms around the world and safe and happy new year ????????

    Reply

  • Merry Christmas all moms around the world and safe and happy new year ????????

    Reply

  • Trying to keep calm but it’s creeping up so fast. I’m all about lists. Lists upon lists upon lists of things to do. I have great joy in ticking everything off and then throwing the list out, and then making a new and shorter list. Nearly there…!

    Reply

  • Great tips – do hope some young people throwing their first Christmas get-together take some of them on board. It’s so easy to be trapped into buying more than is necessary and eating way too much for far too long and having to pay off the debt of food and presents way far into the new year.

    • That’s true – good opportunity for us to advice them and teach by example.
      Anne

    Reply

  • Good tips. It’s not all about the presents indeed. Maybe I should start doing what my neighbor is doing, she spends no more then $10-$20 on her children and less on other family members and friends

    • Even a hand made gift can be much appreciated. Anne

    Reply

  • And plan ahead! I have only two presents left to buy, and I know exactly what one will be – so only one problem left!

    Reply

  • The meaning of christmas has changed so much over the years. there is so much pressure to buy the perfect present.

    • I agree! We need to nurture an attitude of gratitude for the small things in life.
      Anne

    Reply

  • christmas is a special time and it should be enjoyed and cherished time with family and that normally starts on christmas morning for me when I realise I have done all I can and I am as prepared as I can be and what ever I have forgotten will just have to be forgotten (until I can fix it lol!)

    thanks for these tips though, I do need to print them and check off that I am as organised as I can be!

    • You’re right – preparation is the key and once 25th is here it’s time to let go and enjoy the day for yourself. Have a good one.
      Anne

    Reply

  • Our Xmas will be stressful as we got to move (we’re renting). So it’s packing and cleaning and not much time for Xmas preparation or even buying presents.

    • Oh that is an added stress! Internet shopping would be the way to go for you. Get gifts delivered to a relative’s or friend’s house and ask them for help with wrapping. Order groceries online too – you can do it now for delivery 24 Dec.
      Maybe this is the start of a new exciting phase for you and your family, a new home, a new year, a new future. Wishing you all the best. Let me know how it goes. Anne

    Reply

  • Some great advice there, thanks for sharing.

    • I’m pleased you found it useful. thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.
      Anne

    Reply

  • I love the festive season and fortunately we tend to keep it simple and casual.

    • Good on you – that’s the way to be. Have a great time on 25th.
      Anne

    Reply

  • I plan on keeping it as stress free as possible this year.

    • That’s the right attitude. Have fun.
      Anne

    Reply

  • I love Christmas time. But I stress sometimes indeed. Thinking about food for example. This year I want to make it less about food and more about company. I hope that will take some stress away from this lovely time of the year.

    • The meal was always my main worry too! I’m from Scotland and trying to keep the turkey and veg hot and served at the same time was always an ordeal. I love that in Australia we can have cold meats, seafood and salad. People even bring a plate – wonderful! Make sure you enjoy it this year.
      Anne

    Reply

  • My favorite time of year. Keep it simple :)

    • Mine too! Have a wonderful time with your family.
      Anne

    Reply
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