Have Yourself A Stress Free Christmas

This is the time of the year when we can wear ourselves out to the point of exhaustion. Getting ourselves bogged down with so many tasks to do: writing Christmas cards, shopping for presents, planning get togethers, food shopping for the day itself, attending Nativity plays at the children's school, nights out (which again means stress, undoubtedly you have to have something new to wear to the office party.) The list goes on and on.

We seem to be programmed from reading the glossy magazines and television advertising that we should all be having the PERFECT CHRISTMAS. What a lot of people don't realise is that these ads are shot in the middle of August, when there is plenty of time for preparing fancy table arrangements and cooking a fantastic Christmas 5 course meal with the aid of not just one chef, but many helping hands. The people we see in magazines are models who don't have the average run of the mill figure. They're wearing designer clothes and had the hairdresser to coif their tresses. You on the other hand, are running around like an headless chicken trying to get it all done, so it's not very realistic to expect to look like them.

So what can I do to cut down on the stress?

Little changes can make a BIG difference.

* Cut down on the number of Christmas cards you send out. Do you really need to send to the woman down the road who normally ignores you in the street? Make a resolve to send to those who you haven't seen for a while, or are living away, and people you have a meaningful relationship with.

* Lower your expectations. What is the perfect Christmas anyway? Aim for the 'not-so-perfect-Christmas-but-we're-all-okay' and see what a difference it makes.

* Plan your present shopping trips well. Collect Christmas store magazines and pick out presents for everyone in advance. Then hit the shops early before the real rush begins. It's surprising how much shopping you can get done when you know exactly what you will be buying for everyone. Ensure you have little coffee breaks in between, to revitalise and re-energise.

* Make a list of the food shopping you need for the period. These days the shops are only closed for a day or two, do you really need to stock up as if you will be locked away for weeks?

* Don't think you have time to relax as you're so stressed? If you feel that way then make the time, you need it. Quiet reflection, mediation or going to church can help to chill you out. Recent research has shown that church goers suffer less ill health as their blood pressure tends to be lower.

* Afraid you'll forget someone's Christmas present? Wrap up some 'emergency presents' e.g box of chocolates, bottle of wine etc and attach a gift tag. When Cousin Jack walks up the path with an unexpected present for you, you'll have one to give back!

* Have you invited someone to stay for Christmas who irritates you? Your mother-in-law for instance, who delights in showing you how to do things her way. It's surprising how by inviting a few others along to celebrate the day, she may not seem such an irritation.

* Fed up with entertaining so many over the Christmas period? Aunt Maud and Uncle Ernie drive you crazy? Get out for a stroll after Christmas lunch. Walk off that bloated feeling. It's time for some quiet reflection, Christmas will be over soon.

* Don't forget those less fortunate than yourself. Christmas as well as being a fun family time for some, for others, it is the loneliest time of the year.

The most important thing of all is to enjoy Christmas. Remember the real meaning not the cost and the hassle, and if that doesn't work next year don't invite Aunt Maud and Uncle Ernie, book a holiday overseas instead!