Tips for managing Christmas season stress

In my newsletter that went out to subscribers last week I touched a little on how prevalent stress is this time of year and shared a few tips to manage it.  I thought I would expand on that a little and share it in a blog post.  Please note though that I am no expert on managing stress, these are just my thoughts on the subject.

I find it hard to believe it’s November already and that Christmas is almost upon us!  November seems to be the bridge between Halloween and Christmas, the month where quite a lot of pressure and stress can take hold if we’re not careful.  Yes, there is still some of December to go before Christmas is here but have you seen how fast those early days of December disappear?!! 

If you’ve got children at school there is all the busyness of the end of school year activities.  Then there is the Christmas shopping, food planning and gift buying to be done, and of course all the associated expense.  On top of all that there are all the Christmas parties to fit in (some of us have more of those than others)!

Quick tips for managing Christmas season stress

1. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute panic buying
2. Make lists to help yourself feel organised. Tick off tasks as they’re done.
3. Have a budget and stick to it
4. Don’t accept EVERY invitation just to be polite. If it’s all getting too much, be selective.
5. Shop on-line where you can
6. Get your Christmas cards written and sent early OR opt for an email or eCard alternative
7. Take time out for yourself when you need it
8. Don’t forget to keep up your exercise routine
9. Enjoy a few drinks and some treat foods but try not to over indulge too much!
10. Have an agreed plan with family members as to who buys gifts for whom and a budget too if you like. Keep it realistic!
11. Share the cooking amongst relatives
12. Give yourself permission to relax and enjoy yourself!

In addition to the above, there are people who have additional stresses like these below (with a few thoughts that might help a little):

• Financial issues – Budget is essential to avoid overspending. Simplify Christmas celebrations. Seek financial advice if experiencing severe difficulties.
• Isolation – If separated from family, keep in touch using technology like Skype or FaceTime. Attend community events such as Carols by Candlelight to help you feel the Christmas spirit. Make plans for Christmas Day. If you’ve no-one to share the day with, consider volunteering for charity work, e.g. helping the Salvation Army serve Christmas lunch to people in need.
• Separation or divorce – Separated parents should try to be civil around the children. Allow yourself to feel the emotions and loss of what this time used to be. Don’t bottle your feelings up. Talk to family and friends. Hopefully an agreement has been come to so that both parents get equal time with the children over the Christmas period.
• Step families – Make decisions prior to Christmas as to how you will spend the day making sure the children are involved.  Stagger the celebrations so that each child gets to spend time with both their natural parents and their step-parents.
• Family tensions – Acceptance is the word I think of here. If family tensions are the norm, then it’s likely it will be the case again this Christmas.  Try and avoid over indulging in alcohol because this is when our inhibitions are reduced and you don’t want to say something you might regret!  Perhaps try to sensitively keep warring relatives apart as much as possible.
• Bereavement – Everyone experiences and shows grief in different ways.  One person may wish to be alone whereas another needs company and to talk. Christmas will be difficult but best not ignored. Perhaps try doing something different this year?  Don’t feel guilty if you find yourself having a good time – sharing a few laughs with family or friends doesn’t mean you don’t love or miss that special person.  On the flip side, don’t feel guilty if you don’t have a good time.

I don’t have any children at school anymore so don’t have the end of school year craziness, but I do need to get my Christmas shopping done during November.  Why?  Because I’m taking off on an 8 night South Pacific Cruise in early December, that’s why!  It wouldn’t be nice to have all the Christmas shopping hanging over my head on my return. I’m not sure how good the internet access will be whilst I’m on the cruise, but hopefully I’ll get some snaps through to Instagram and the WOTM Facebook page.  Of course, there will also be a post about the experience sometime soon after my return!

How are you travelling so far with the looming silly season?  I am about to launch into list making and planning mode in an attempt to get as organised as I possibly can.  I have my twin boys’ birthday coming up on 19 November, a cruise to prepare for, and all my Christmas shopping to get done over the next 4 weeks, in addition to my regular activities.  Not a problem! {cough}

I think I will be very glad when I finally set foot on that cruise ship!!

Ciao for now,

Linking up with Kylie Purtell for #IBOT