Christmas is traditionally a time of year when we enjoy ourselves, we let our hair down and are a little more relaxed. At least that's the way it's meant to be. For a lot of people however, it's a stressful time of year. There's the shopping to do, there's the list of cards for all the family; god forbid we don't send Aunt Betty a card, there's the dinner to buy, there's work to do, there's family to contact, there's a hundred and one things to do.
Well here is a list of things you can do to relax and enjoy yourself a little more:
It's easy to get carried away buying Christmas presents. Set a budget and stick to it.
Make a list of every single person you need to buy a present for. Keep it safe and tick off as you buy.
From now until maybe the 14th December, write your cards out, maybe 5 per day. No need to stress about getting all of them done at the same time.
Get someone to put all your names and addresses from your address book into a spreadsheet and then print off your labels. You can pay your son, daughter, niece or nephew to do this for you.
If you are sending cards or presents out of guilt, don't. Don't just send because you feel obliged to, cut out this practice and send who you want to send to.
As you buy your presents make it a practice to wrap them the same night. This way you will not feel overwhelmed at having to wrap them all at the same time.
Kids love Christmas so why not get them involved more into helping you do the tedious time consuming part of Christmas like wrapping the presents.
There's always specials on this time of year but beware as the prices will probably go up again just before Christmas.
It can be quite stressful but remembering that Christmas is a fun time for everyone, or should be, so get into the spirit and plays Christmas CDs, go to Panto's, or see the Christmas nativity.
Making homemade gifts can be a great way to personalize your presents and save you a bit of money. If you're at all arty or can cook why not make presents this year.
This is a great way to take the stress out of shopping. If you can buy all the gifts from one online store so much the better.
When you have decided on a present to buy for someone why not check out the comparison sites to see if you can get it cheaper elsewhere online.
There's nothing worse shopping when it is extremely crowded and shoppers are getting irate because it's too busy.
Remember the Christmas holidays only last for a few days so don't risk falling out with the whole family because of 1 person you don't like.
You can replant your Christmas tree in your garden or give it away when the holiday season is over.
You don't have to attend every single Christmas family event. Take a night off to spend alone or just with the family.
Remember what Christmas is all about and take a deep breath in times of stress and let it all out and wash over you.
As you will be more busy than usual it's better to get as much sleep as possible so you will have the energy to do everything.
Christmas for kids is not a tidy affair it's all about letting go so don't worry too much about the mess. People visiting will expect mess if you have kids. Let kids be kids for the day.
Don't take everything on board yourself. Let other members of the family know you are ready to blow a gasket and ask for help.
You don't need to say yes to every request made of you at Christmas time, or any other time for that matter. Learn to diplomatically say no; there's only so many nativities you can go to.
If Christmas is a sad time for you because loved ones are no longer with you, try and remember the good times and ask yourself how they would celebrate.
There are lots of places where you can order your Christmas dinner, fully prepared and you pick it up two days before Christmas. Why have all the stress of doing everything yourself.
You'll only come home in a bad mood ready to kill someone as you have been elbowed so many times by people rushing to buy presents. Shop when it's quieter or online.
The TV can often be the source of entertainment for the Christmas holidays. Try something different like board games, karaoke, family Xbox or Playstation games.
Yes this is a time to let your hair down but overdoing it on the alcohol can lead you to do things you wouldn't normally do.
My mother always spend the exact same amount on each grandchild no matter how much presents there are. there's no need to do this. It doesn't mean you love one more than the other.
there's no need to stock up for the Christmas holidays, the shops are only closed for 1 day or two.
Christmas doesn't have to be spot on perfect. things will go wrong, laugh about it and get on with it.
Put the fun back into Christmas for the kids and for yourself. It's tradition in our house that the biggest present is always turned into a treasure hunt. Make games up, sing, be silly just let go and be yourself for a full day and enjoy it.
If you have a board in your kitchen write post it notes of things to do and you as you do them transfer them to another 'done' board.
Unless you have a frost free freezer it's a good idea to clean out the freezer to make as much room as possible for food.
It's also a good idea to clean out the cupboards of all food you have used including: tinned foods, packet foods, and sauces.
This way there won't be so much work to do after all the festivities are over and you can relax more.
If you are having guests over make sure you have enough bed linen and make sure it all cleaned befoehand.
If you buy for teachers, colleagues, group members etc buy in bulk to avoid having to shop around.
When you feel particularly stressed, don't tell the super-organized person as they will make you feel worse. These are the people who have all their presents, cards, food etc in at the end of August and you feel a smack in the mouth might wipe the smug grin off their face.
I love singing at the best of times but at Christmas it's a must to sing loudly and more annoying, there's nothing better than annoying the family with loud singing.
Buying gifts for loved ones is often a dull affair. Try and listen throughout the year for what he or she would really like and put some thought into present buying for your spouse.
Once you have everything prepared, presents bought and wrapped, cards written and sent, invitations written and sent etc have a complete day of rest, you deserve it.
If you've had a disagreement with someone and they are coming round for Christmas, try and clear the air before they come round.
Yes it's annoying to have Uncle Bert dribbling in the corner, drunk and half asleep. Let it be and don't stress yourself, it's only for the day.
If you are having a big Christmas dinner with family members, why not invite someone you know will be on their own.
It's important to capture every Christmas with photos or a camcorder. You may not think it is important just now but in years to come it will bring back so many happy memories for you to enjoy.
Your pet can get very confused with all the toing and froing of Christmas planning so be mindful to pay them some more attention than usual.
If you have a health condition make sure you have enough medication to last you through the holidays as your doctor may be vacationing for a prolonged period.
With many people turning to the net for Christmas shopping, it's extremely important to have online protection software installed on your computer.
When you're visiting people at Christmas and it's bad weather,♠ wear sensible shoes in order to minimize the risk of slipping or falling.
Christmas shopping can be a nightmare for your back. Try and shop more online or make more trips so you are not carrying a mountain full of bags in one go.
If you decorate your home outside check the weather forecast for the days to avoid any dangers.
Christmas is all about joy, fun and happiness it's not about who has the best house lights, or the biggest garden tree or best garden decorations.
Always keep your Christmas receipts in a special box. This will mean you can take duplicate gifts back or faulty gifts back and get them exchanged.
Christmas is a time for giving and celebrating and being grateful. Why not visit a hostel with the family to give some of your time before Christmas day.
When you explain the importance of Christmas through your actions the children will want to get involved as well. Always make it a fun time if you have kids.
If you have a pet who has never celebrated Christmas with you, introduce the tree a week early to let them get used to it.
If you know you will be decorating the outside of the house every year why not leave the light hooks up so you don't have to do it year after year in the freezing cold.
A lot of gifts cannot be returned after a certain number of days; find this out before purchasing if you are afraid the person might not like it or it will not fit them.
This is a growth area online and there are thousands of coupon sites offering printable coupons to get discounts off from your favorite stores.
Remember to turn all your Christmas lights out at night before going to bed.
There are some fantastic bargains to be had from eBay. If you are stuck for an idea, have a browse and see what there is.
If you want to save some money on cards, buy them straight after Christmas as the card shops are looking to get rid of their stock. You will often get great deals for next year.
To stop your pet from getting overexcited, spend a little more time playing around with them and tiring them out so they can relax more.
If you are going shopping for presents there's nothing worse for a child than having to trail round the shops. Try and organize a baby sitter for a day to let you get your shopping done.
Lots of children are off on holiday and it can be a strain to keep them entertained. Take them to free events such as the turning on of Christmas lights, the events in the local square, get the kids to write a letter to Santa, go a walk in the local big park.
If you know what you Christmas menu will be i.e. Turkey, go to your local butcher, or food shop and place your order just now and pick it up nearer the time.
A lot of presents need batteries and it's something we often forget. Make sure you have lots of batteries in stock.
If you get rewards from your various stores cash them in at Christmas and use them up. It may not be much but every little helps.
Buy luxury crackers after Christmas and get a really good price, then store them away for next year.
Old Christmas cards are a great way to do this. Get your pinking shears out and make your own tags.
If you are going visiting at Christmas make sure you have enough fuel as a lot of gas stations will be closed.
You can stock up on these throughout the year and they soon add up to a sizeable amount of gifts.
Remember to get all your overseas parcels sent well before Christmas for them to get there in plenty of time.
Post all your overseas cards in plenty of time for them to arrive by Christmas.
We have a tradition of going for a meal and then to see a movie on Christmas Eve. This keeps them occupied and tires them out so they get a good sleep and are not too excited on Christmas Eve.
Have a Christmas movie day to get the whole family in the spirit of Christmas.
If you are having guests over remember to get in your Christmas table decorations well in advance.
All year round should a time for thinking about those less fortunate but at this time of year it seems to be more important. Buy a gift for those less fortunate.
Make sure you have a stock of CDs and music for Christmas so you're not hunting around on the day for them.
If you can do this it will save you the stress of worrying about the money situation.
Write out all your thank you cards before Christmas so there's no need to worry about them after Christmas and you can relax a little more.
Christmas is a time for overindulging in everything including food and drink. Get a little more exercise by going out for a long walk.
If you're going visiting remember to take the camera; it's often easy to forget in the hustle and bustle of getting packed.
Kids get so many presents at Christmas that they don't know who is buying for them. Don't let them rip all the paper off every single one, let them read the label first, open them, and give them time to enjoy them.
If things get a little out of control and you are having trouble with a family member give them a job to do to get them out of the way.
Even if it's freezing cold, get everyone out of the house for 5 or 10 minutes. A Christmas house can become overheated and overcrowded and getting everyone out for the house for 5 minutes in the cold will wake everybody up and re-ignite the party.
Wrap up a few boxes of chocolates to give as gifts for unexpected visitors.
Decluttering helps to de-clutter the mind and if you do it a few weeks before Christmas you will feel a lot more relaxed.
I've spent a few Christmases alone and it's not a good feeling. However, don't allow others to feel sorry for you. Create a Christmas atmosphere, watch movies all day, and relax and treat yourself to a few goodies.
If you want to cut down on the amount you eat, trick the brain and use a smaller plate.
This is another trick to help fool the brain into thinking you are drinking more than you are and it helps reduce the amount of alcohol your drink.
Instead of spending hours wrapping all your Christmas gifts why not bag the from the great bags you get from the dollar store.
If you have a Christmas party every year pick a theme and send out invitations in that theme.
Think about safety at Christmas and don't overload your extension cords.
Make sure you cooker it cleaned before Christmas. It will be getting used a lot and cleaning it before hand will help with the cleaning afterwards.
You can use the leftover turkey for making sandwiches for boxing day.
Although they might cost a little more it will save you money in the long run.
Everyone's going green these days. You can do your bit buy buying a bag for shopping and not use the stores plastic bags.
If you can help it keep your pets away from the main party as the bangers, crackers and other noises can scare them.
I might be a little sad but I always take a step back when I see everyone enjoying themselves and remind myself of how lucky I am, and get a little tearful (yes, I'm a man but real men cry too!)
It's what it's all about.
Written on 12/08/2009 by Steven Aitchison. Steven is the Author of Change Your Thoughts and works as an alcohol and drugs counselor. He has a BSc in Psychology and has a passion for studying belief formation, thought processes and values and principles. His blog focuses on personal development through changing your thoughts but covers the whole personal development field.
100 Ways To A Stress Free Christmas
