Christmas tips to joy
Ah, Christmas! The season of joy, twinkling lights, and hearty laughter echoing through the chilly winter air. Or does the idea of Chrismas fill you with dread! This can be the most anxious time for so many of us!
Tips for surviving the Christmas period (Thanks to the Circle health group for putting it so well :)
1. Keep your expectations modest
Don't get hung up on what the Christmas holidays are supposed to be like and how you're supposed to feel.
If you're comparing your festivities to some perfect greeting card ideal, they'll always come up short. Don't worry about festive spirit and simply take every day as it comes.
2. Do something different
This year, does the prospect of the usual routine fill you with Christmas dread rather than joy?
If so, don't surrender to it. Try something different.
Have dinner at a restaurant on Christmas Day. Spend Boxing Day at the cinema or get your family to agree to donate the money to a charity instead of exchanging presents.
3. Lean on your support system
If you've been feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, you need a network of close friends and family to turn to when things get tough.
During Christmas, take time to get together with your support network regularly – or at least keep in touch by phone to keep yourself centred.
4. Don't assume the worst
Don't start the Christmas season anticipating disaster. If you try to take the festivities as they come and limit your expectations – both good and bad – you may enjoy them more.
5. Forget the unimportant stuff
Don't run yourself ragged just to live up to Christmas traditions.
So what if you don't get the lights on the roof this year? So what if you don't get the special Christmas mugs down from the loft?
Give yourself a break. Worrying about such trivial stuff will not add to your festive spirit
6. Volunteer
You may feel stressed and booked up already, but maybe consider taking time to help people who have less than you. Try volunteering at a soup kitchen or helping someone to do their shopping.
We always feel better when we have helped someone and made a difference, however small.
You really have more control than you think. If certain things are guaranteed to stress you out, avoid them
7. Avoid problems
Think about what people or situations trigger your stress and figure out ways to avoid them.
If seeing your uncle stresses you out, skip his New Year's party and just stop by for a quick hello on New Year's Day.
Instead of staying in your bleak, childhood bedroom at your stepfather's house, book into a nearby hotel.
You really have more control than you think.
8. Ask for help - but be specific
See if your spouse will dig out the decorations. Ask a family member to help you cook - or host the Christmas dinner itself. Invite a friend along on shopping trips.
People are often more willing to help out than you expect; they just need some guidance from you on what to do.
9. Don't worry about things beyond your control
OK, perhaps your uncle and your dad get into an argument at every Christmas dinner and it makes you miserable. What can you really do about it?
Remember your limits: you can't control them, but you can control your own reaction to the situation.
10. Make new family traditions
People often feel compelled to keep family Christmas traditions alive long past the point that anyone's actually enjoying them. Don't keep them going for their own sake.
Start a new tradition instead. Create one that's more meaningful to you personally.
11. Find positive ways to remember loved ones
Christmas may remind you of the loved ones who aren't around anymore. Instead of just feeling glum, do something active to celebrate their memory.
For instance, go out with your sisters to your mum's favourite restaurant and make a toast.
The festive season can last for weeks and weeks. People really need to pace themselves or they'll get overwhelmed. Don't say yes to every invitation.
