Christmas

Trying to relax at Christmas

By Gem - 14:57:00

The words Christmas and stress seem to go hand in hand for me at the moment. There's social events most nights, presents to buy, I've got a cold and I'm really looking forward to a whole day off with nothing to do. There isn't just one super cure for a stress free and relaxing Christmas, but there are a few simple things we can do so it doesn't get the best of us.

Make a list and check it twice.
I always find that writing things down helps clear my mind. I have a card list, present list and food list which all get ticked of and give me peace of mind. I also write all parties and things I need to attend in my diary so I won't forget anything. When writing your to-do list you could rate the items on it in order of importance. If the less important things don't get done, don't stress out.

Delegate.
Giving up control isn't always the easiest thing to do, but it can make a big difference. I like to control the menu over Christmas but I don't drive so going to pick up the food can be difficult for me. I've asked Martyn to pick up a few bits for me. I've had to learn to relax when he comes home with Aunt Bessie's roast potatoes instead of regular potatoes which I roast myself. It's not worth worrying about.



Make time for friends.
A couple of hours chatting with the girls and a glass of wine can make a huge difference to my mood. December is busy in work because the students using the library have deadlines so I can feel a little a little run down and not in the mood to socialise. As soon as I see my friends any worries just seem to dissolve away. 

Eat, drink & be merry.
And don't worry about the consequences until 2015. It's Christmas, don't fret about calories and fat content. I stocked up on lots of lovely food from M&S and baked a cake before inviting some friends over to share it all with.  Hosting can also bring stress, fretting over a menu, cleaning the house etc so why not head out for a meal and nobody is left doing the dishes? Take the stress out of finding a table when all the restaurants are booked over the festive period and use Quandoo. It shows you all the restraints in your area and what times you can book a table. You can also use it in lots of European countries so it's really handy for when you go on holiday. They also have a Loyalty Program and you collect Points each time you make a reservation on Quandoo.




Remember you count 
Last but certainly not least: remember that you count too. Don't forget about yourself amongst all the hustle and bustle of making everyone else's life special. When you are out shopping or at home take some time to thank yourself for a job well done. I've been reading a book in bed and getting my lovely Pied a Terre scented votives and diffusers out to create a relaxing atmosphere.


I  have Iris & Vetiver, Plum & Black Amber and Fig Leaf & Cassis scented candles, I can't pick a favourite. It's nice to treat yourself to something luxurious like this or a new hand cream or nail polish.



Reed diffusers continuously scent my home,  I always stop and appreciate the scent when  I walk past the diffuser in my hall. 



When all else fails, remember to take a deep breath. It definitely isn't the end of the world if it all doesn't end up exactly how you imagined. As long as you get to see your loved ones and enjoy the biggest roast dinner of the year that's all that really matters. 

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4 comments

  1. Unknown20 December 2014 at 17:22

    such a great post. really need to take some of these ideas on board. just finished my first term of pgce and have lots to do for uni, and getting flat ready for christmas. but definitely worth taking time for yourself. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Atosa Nikkhah20 December 2014 at 17:48

    love this looks like the perfect chill, i love the candle! x
    www.mybubbaandme.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Forever Miss Vanity20 December 2014 at 17:55

    Such a lovely post. It's a shame people get stressed over Christmas - especially when it's supposed to be a time of laughter and joy. Your tips are perfect :)

    x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Unknown22 December 2014 at 07:41

    Enjoy your Christmas Day, and eat more delicious food
    http://www.baratoventa.com.

    ReplyDelete

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