How to enjoy Christmas

How to enjoy Christmas

We are now in December which means that Christmas is almost upon us. Every year there are articles with hints and tips on how to enjoy Christmas or survive the holiday period! What is marketed as a joyful time for many, Christmas is lonely, sad and stressful.

As one year ends, we may hold in our minds memories of those who have died or are absent from our lives. We may regret not having children for Santa to visit or lament the enormous demands being placed on Santa by our children.

Watching people shop may remind us that we do not have family or money! We may be hoping that this year will end as fast as possible so that we can start a fresh new hopeful year.  We might be bursting for Christmas to arrive quickly so that we can have time off work, have fun and celebrate with family and friends.

In short, people have very mixed emotions around this time of year.

Not many people know that I can predict the future. This Christmas and New Year are going to be enjoyable. This is going to be a stress-free, fun-filled holiday time. How do I know this? Because you are going to decide that you will enjoy Christmas, no matter what, and this year you are going to think only positive thoughts! You are going to reassure yourself that pressure is only for tyres!

To reduce stress levels at Christmas or at any time, it is helpful to plan ahead. Take control of your worries by asking yourself the following questions:

What can I do about this right now?

What advice would my best friend give me about this?

What exactly am I worried about?

Will this matter next year?

Decide well in advance what to cook for Christmas dinner; delegate tasks; prepare as much of the meal as possible in advance. It is after all, simply a dinner, a fancier dinner and usually with more people but it’s just a dinner after all. Make lists of people for whom you will purchase gifts or send Christmas cards. Planning reduces worry and increases feelings of control.

It might sound daft because of the time of year and the fact that we live in Ireland but make a conscious effort to drink less alcohol. Rather than lowering anxiety and stress levels, alcohol can increase them. Alcohol interferes with our thinking, emotions, feelings, health and sleep.  It also causes us to say and do things that we would never dream of doing sober and with life, there is no erase button!  This Christmas stay in control by drinking little or no alcohol.

Make time for you to do some deep breathing exercises – slowing your breathing helps you feel relaxed. Take a bath or time-out to gather your thoughts and to unwind. Look at the sky or count the branches on a tree or sing or dance in the kitchen – all of which will engage your mind in an activity other than worry.

Spend within budget if possible because having to pay off debt causes stress. Do not compare the gifts you purchase with others’ gifts. Christmas is not a competition to see who spends or buys the most.  Comparisons do not make us feel positive. Some people find it very helpful to only bring cash when shopping so there is no possibility of running up further credit card debt.

Set aside differences. Speak to someone with whom you have lost contact. Reach out and rekindle old friendships. Apologise to family members or friends if there has been a falling out (whether or not it is your fault, take responsibility!) If your apology is not accepted, you can rest assured that you have done the kind thing by extending the olive branch. Make amends while you have the opportunity.

Mind your body by eating healthily; sleeping well; getting rest, fresh air and exercise. Exercise is vital for releasing feel-good hormones and it is a great reason to take a break – away from the house – to gather your thoughts. Drink plenty of water to remain hydrated.

Laugh and smile because it may encourage those around you to be more pleasant and it will make you feel more positive. If you are struggling, reassure yourself that Christmas will soon be over and normality will return. Make a huge effort to avoid any quarrels or arguments because nothing was ever resolved during a fight.

Learn to say no. When someone asks you to do to something for them, simply say you will have a think and get back with a decision – this allows you time to decide whether you have the time to help, rather than rushing in to say ‘yes’ straight away.

Be kind at every opportunity to adults and especially to children because you never know what is going on in another’s life. Give the gift of listening and hearing what someone has to say. Be gentle. Play and have fun. Speak encouragingly to yourself.

You are creating memories for you and those around you so enjoy yourself.

Ask for help. Pride often gets in the way of asking for help when we need it.  Contact an agency or a healthcare professional if you do not want to share your problems with family or friends. Asking for help with a difficulty is a sign of strength. We can do more together than we can do alone.

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