Have an enjoyable and happy Christmas
Everyone wants to have an enjoyable and happy Christmas but sometimes that seems to be easier said than done.
So Christmas is approaching and with luck and a fair wind you have everything under control. The thing is just when you start feeling just a little smug, you can almost predict that something unexpected will happen and compromises not only your best laid plans but send your stress levels flying.
Stuff happens
When you think about it life is not perfect and by the law of averages, there are bound to be some Christmas holidays which do not go quite according to plan. Whether it is illness, boredom, the dinner burning, or one of your party suffering with Christmas angst. That is someone being in a mood just because it is Christmas. Stuff happens.
Follow these tips for a happy and enjoyable Christmas
Delegate
You don’t have to do everything. Remember delegate whenever possible.
If you need help with any aspect of Christmas – whether it be wrapping the presents or cooking Christmas dinner ask for help. This does not necessarily mean from your partner either. Even small children and elderly relatives or friends can play a part.
Don’t be a perfectionist
One of the reasons that people don’t delegate is because others are unable to do the task as well or as quickly as you. Does it really matter? Unless it really is important or there is a safety issue, then don’t let you aim for perfection get in the way of having a happy and and enjoyable Christmas.
Don’t expect perfection from others
Be sure not to let your exacting requirements affect your mood and therefore possibly everyone else’s. Remember being flexible makes life much less challenging.
Stop being competitive
You don’t need to be competitive at Christmas. Whether that is with buying expensive presents “to keep up with the Jones,” or making the most elaborate Christmas dinner.
Buy Christmas presents that are within your budget. If your Christmas dinner is pretty much a ready meal – don’t worry about it. And don’t worry about what others think either. Being competitive around Christmas really is not in the spirit of Christmas at all.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
When you analyse it, most of the challenges around Christmas can pretty much all be filed under “don’t sweat the small stuff “- and most stuff is small. So when you begin to feel under pressure ask yourself whether it really is that important.
Same problems and challenges every Christmas? Do things differently
Establish what the problem is. Discuss the concern with other family members if possible. Be prepared to compromise. If necessary fine tune or make changes to your Christmas routine. Remember do what you always have done and will get what you always have had.
Disaster strikes
If your Christmas Day is a disaster because everyone has flu or your guests have managed to double book– reschedule your Christmas Day for when everyone is available.
Do stuff
Have activities planned. Treasure hunts, board games, play cards or take a walk before or after your Christmas dinner. Keeping people busy stops the cries of I’m bored and the odd unhelpful comment. And if people don’t want to join in – then that is up to them.
Family Traditions
Create your own family traditions. It never is too late however young or old your family is.
You owe it to yourself to have an enjoyable and happy Christmas
If other people are giving you a hard time rise above it. Ignore their negative behaviour, and be REALLY nice to them. Christmas is no place for negativity. That needs to be kept as their issue and is not your problem.
Remember it is not your responsibility to make everyone happy at Christmas but it is important that you focus on making sure you have a happy and enjoyable Christmas.
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