1. Set your expectations

Don’t get hung up on what the perfect Christmas holidays are supposed to be like and how you’re supposed to feel. Stress and pressure can come from unrealistic expectations  about a picture perfect Christmas. If you’re comparing your festivities to other people, they’ll always come up short. 

Learning to lower or eliminate expectations is not only a great way to reduce stress and frustration but also a simple way to have more fun and enjoyment. This is is a great way to be pleasantly surprised and pleased with what actually occurs. Don’t worry about festive spirit and simply take every day as it comes and enjoy the little moments.

2. Gift presence not presents

What your loved ones need most is spending quality time with you and creating memories rather than material presents. Finding fun activities that you can all enjoy, laugh and be together is a great way to enjoy the holidays. It is easy to go overboard with a long list of presents but think presence first. With the cost of living crisis, our budgets might be limited this year. Don't gift for the sake of it and gift fewer but better gifts that say I care and they will actually want to receive. Explore our Christmas shop for a fantastic gift ideas that won't break the bank. 

3. Do something different

The Christmas season is often filled with things you feel you ‘have to’ or ‘should’ do. We all know the feeling that you need to attend a party because you believe someone expects you to, believing you have to attend an event so that others won’t be disappointed, or having to spend time with people you don't necessarily get along with. 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. 

Spending time doing the things you love and want to do is a great way to celebrate the Christmas season and increase the quality of your life experience. This isn’t being selfish but authentic. Having healthy boundaries is essential to living authentically.

4. Set time for rest & relaxation

Carve some ‘me time’ as you might need to get away from the ‘hustle and bustle’ and find a few moments to focus on yourself.  A great way to minimize the build-up of stress is to take regular rest breaks. Making sure to take time to rest and relax each day can keep your body and mind healthy, especially during busy or pressure-filled times like the Christmas holiday season. Ensure plenty of sleep, a relaxing bath and be mindful of levels of alcohol and junk food consumed during the season. 

5. Spend time outside

It is important for our mental wellbeing to move and spend time outside. As the daylight grows shorter, lots of people find their mood gets gloomier. Enjoy a frosty morning walk and soak up the winder sunlight to lift the spirits and get regular fresh air.