How To Avoid The Stress Of Christmas
It’s not even December and yet Christmas is already everywhere: in the shops, in the media, even in people’s annoying Rudolph ringtones. I have just tossed aside a magazine that contained advice on how to avoid Xmas stress - and it stressed me more, because it reminded me of everything that I could get stressed about: shopping (time and money), cooking, arranging, juggling family and friends time, not to mention end-of-year deadlines to wrap up before the Big Day.
Now, before you interrupt me with reminders of underprivileged families and Do They Know It’s Christmas Time At All?, let me assure you that I know this is meant to be a time of peace and giving, and a fat old man with a white beard whose lap I’m allowed to sit on. But let’s be realistic: with the festive season also comes a certain amount of pressure. Add to that the dilemma of Christmas indulgence with body baring (if you live in the southern hemisphere), and you have a recipe for pudding stress.
So, with just over a month to go, how do you avoid stress at this time of year? I’ve dished out some advice, and who knows, I might even consider following some of it.
1. Leave the country
I have done this, and although it seems a little dramatic, if you go somewhere remote you can avoid Xmas completely. This is a little hard on the family, though, and they’re unlikely to save you any turkey.
2. Cut down on commitments
This is a tricky one because you don’t want to hurt feelings, but it can save on rushing around. Do you really need to attend 10 Xmas parties?
3. Do Xmas shopping online and buy some of those ‘give a goat to a mountain boy’ gifts
Shopping online is so much better than queuing and listening to god-awful carol CDs in the mall. The goat thing can sink or swim, though, if someone had their heart set on a Wii, or even socks.
4. Exercise and go easy on the brandy
It’s a time of excess, and while it’s good to treat yourself, eating nothing but turkey and pudding for a month, coupled with copious amounts of alcohol, would leave even Santa feeling a little porky.
5. Chill out
People often get over-sensitive and frazzled at Xmas, with high expectations all around. Take some time out if you’re getting snappy and ODing on anything Yuletide-related. You don’t have to watch It’s A Wonderful Life every year.
How do you stay mellow at Christmas time (apart from the brandy)?
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted
on
Saturday, November 24th, 2007 at 6:58 am
under
Last year I sent New Year’s eve on a plane and it was surprisingly ok. Nice not to get stressed out about New Years given that the proceedings never seem to live up to expectations. Now if I could only find a way to spend the entire month of December on a plane, I’d be set.
November 25th, 2007 at 2:09 amLeaving the country is good. As is spending as little time as possible with extended family.
I try to lower my expectations. I don’t imagine that people are going to get along, or that everyone will have a great time. I concentrate on doing some of the things that I know I will enjoy, and leave the rest for other people.
November 27th, 2007 at 12:33 amKirsty: New Year’s! That’s a whole other blog post.
Plonkee, lowering your expectations is a good idea. Re leaving the country, well I guess it depends on the family
November 27th, 2007 at 7:15 pm