Christmas can be a time of peace and joy for some but for many it can be a time of disappointment, stress and great sorrow. Here are some survival suggestions for stress:
Christmas can be a time of disappointment if our expectations are too high or if we want everything to be perfect but find that things go wrong. It’s a good idea to let go of the idea of a ‘perfect’ Christmas. Try to relax and enjoy the preparations; then see how Christmas unfolds. Remember you are not responsible for other people’s happiness. If you are having guests for Christmas, or you are cooking Christmas dinner, encourage others to help you. If your family are unable or unwilling to help, lower your standards and make everything simpler; perhaps have fewer trimmings. You can meet any complaints with a calm but clear explanation!
Christmas is a notorious time for family arguments and for this reason can be a major cause of stress. You may wish to ask yourself why you spend Christmas with people who ruin the festivities for others. Perhaps you may consider organising your Christmas differently this year.
