Worrying About Christmas? Here are Some Tips To Make This The Best Christmas Season Ever.
Christmas can also be very demanding on your relationship as
you spend a lot of time together with family and in-laws, one’s to-do list suddenly
quadruples and they end up spending more money than they intended due to house
guests, parties or traveling.
Well, these nostalgic traditions are a huge part of what
makes Christmas that most magical time of the year. Therefore, it is upon you to
make this time the best ever for you and the family.
Having the ‘perfect’ Christmas is about getting into the
Christmas spirit, decorating well and honoring what the occasion is really all
about. It is not about getting into debt or going over-the-top with your
expectations for ‘perfect’ by having rather unrealistic standard to set.
Enjoy the build up
Sometimes the best thing about Christmas is the expectant
build up. Don’t let all the little things that make Christmas extra special
pass you by in a blur of frantic present wrapping. Choose to believe that everything will go well. Think only
positively and Christmas will be so much more joyous for you.
Set a sensible budget.
If you know exactly how much you are going to spend for
Christmas, shopping becomes much easier. Christmas is only as commercialised as
you let it be. The barrage of holiday advertising can make you forget what the
holiday season is really about. The media, advertisements and other people may
pressurise you to spend on what you had not planned for but it is always
advisable to stick to your budget.
Do not overspend to have a good time. If your holiday
expense list is running longer than your monthly budget, scale back and remind
yourself that what matters most is loved ones, not store-bought presents,
elaborate decorations or gourmet food.
Hide your money for the next two weeks and use your cash
only as and when you wish to do so, without any outside influence.
Keep it simple.
Part of releasing expectations is simplifying your Christmas
season. If you over-schedule yourself with activities, shopping and travel, you
will be stressed and will miss out on the peace and beauty of the season.
If you are dragging your kids off to what ‘is the tradition’
but they are whining every step of the way, make a switch. True, families
thrive on traditions, but it's less about the event itself, which your kids may
have outgrown, and more about time together. If your kids are complaining, drop
expensive, high-stress rituals in favour of something simple and universally
appealing.
Stop worrying about public perception.
When you have visitors and family around don’t bother about how the house is going to
look. They will not even notice, if say, the net curtains are not
washed. There is no need to create that perfect Christmas as seen in all those
ads. The best way to make everyone feel welcome is to be a happy relaxed host.
Sometimes we avoid inviting friends over during the holidays
unless everything is perfect — the right meal, the house completely decorated
and cleaned, a gift purchased. Let that go and enjoy spontaneous get-togethers
to share a meal or simply some time together. Don’t miss connections waiting
for perfection.
Focus on what's most important.
Refocus on what's
most important to you. If you are overwhelmed with dozens of activities and expenses
that you need to spend on, ask yourself, “Which are the most important ones?” Spend on those and put the
rest on the back burner.
Make time to make Christmas a family occasion.
Many people work
until the moment of Christmas and miss out on the preparations leading up to
it. Make an effort to take off one day or more if you can, to share time with
the family making Christmas craft, food and decorating in a holiday theme
together. Visit the stores together to shop and go and see a Christmas movie as
a family. Take it easy for change and feel the spirit of Christmas rather than
having it thrust upon you. Nothing makes memories last for longer than the
memory of peace, tranquility, harmony and a slow pace all at once.
Create an alternative Christmas lunch.
Rather than slaving over the usual cooked lunch, have a
“free for all” whereby everyone can have their favourite food, allow anything
as long as it is quick, easy and they can prepare or cook it themselves. You
can then eat as and when you want and bask in front of the TV, if that’s what
you like. Then have your Christmas lunch a few days later, once everything has
settled down.
Healthy conversations.
Let your family know
that holidays are times to express gratitude, appreciation and give thanks for
what you all have, including each other. If there is worry about heated
disagreements or negative conversations, focus on what you and your family have
in common. Families might even plan activities they can do together that foster
good fun and laughter, like playing a family game or looking through old photo
albums.
Know when to say no.
We should only say
yes to meaningful events that focus on the holiday and bring the whole family
together. You should choose to throw the big blowout parties or spend more at
another time of the year, when you and your guests will have fewer commitments
competing for your precious time.
Lonely Christmas.
If you are going to
be on your own over Christmas, see it as an opportunity for freedom and space
to enjoy the festivities even more. Do not let being on your own stop you
from having a good time. Perhaps you can connect with other people like you and
have a communal Christmas lunch together.
Christmas movie night
Everyone has a favourite Christmas movie, so why not invite
a few of your friends round or gather up the family and arrange a Christmas
movie night? The rules are this: everyone should bring one Christmas movie they
love and a Christmas treat. Then you just need to sit back and enjoy.
Get involved
The best way to make sure this is your best Christmas ever
is to get involved in all the Christmas activities in your local community. Get
involved with as much as you possibly can to make sure this Christmas is
memorable and meaningful.
Take a drive or a walk.
Get in the car and
take a drive just to look at the holiday lights and decorations. Or simple walk
around your neighborhood. Carry a mug of hot chocolate and a box of homemade
cookies with you and make it an occasion.
Remember to have fun.
As you spend all your time to make family or friends happy,
take a deep breath and savour the moment. Give yourself permission to forget
about all those tasks still left on your to-do list and have fun too.
Remember too that
Christmas isn't about things, money or showing off. It's about Christ and
his birth. He had his family with him, and that's the perfect in Christmas. It
doesn't matter if you have a million presents, if you are with your family,
then that's the best thing about Christmas.
Reach out to someone lonely.
If you know someone alone or lonely this holiday season, connect
with them. Invite them over for a meal or include them in a family occasion.
The holidays can be very sad for many people, and you can bring a ray of light
into their lives.
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