Article: A Peaceful Christmas: 8 Ways to Destress this Festive Season

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Dec 16, 2024Health and Wellness

A Peaceful Christmas: 8 Ways to Destress this Festive Season

There is just over a week to go now before the biggest day of the year for all those who celebrate. The countdown is on!

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While for some this is a purely exciting and magical time (mostly the kids!), for those with more responsibility at this time of year, everything can start to feel very overwhelming.

The never ending to-do lists, countless invitations, and pressure to be having a fantastic time can start to weigh us down. So for this blog post we wanted to gather some ideas and reminders for ways to destress and help you come back to the true meaning of Christmas.

1. Make a List

This might seem obvious but taking a few minutes to sit down and write a list of all the things you absolutely have to get done can help you to feel a bit more in control. Once you have your list, break it down into smaller ones; you could separate tasks into quick ticks and more tricky things. Then arrange them into a manageable time frame so you know where to start.

2. Ask for Help!

Try to delegate as much as possible. Make sure that you get your family and other guests involved in preparations by sharing things out, or working together to get things done. You can even get children involved with smaller tasks like baking or wrapping. This way you keep them entertained while ticking more things off!

A woman is visible from the back upwards and is facing away from the camera but turning to look over her shoulder. She is wearing a black more supportive bra and holds her arm up to flex her bicep.

3. Embrace Imperfection

Remember that it doesn’t all have to be perfect. No one is going to mind if your wrapping is a bit slapdash, or your Christmas cake is a bit wonky. In fact, the handmade charm is exactly what makes Christmas so special. So don’t stress over the small things and embrace the beauty of your mistakes.

4. Take a Moment to Reflect

When everything starts to get hectic it can be easy to get frustrated. The crowds of people at the supermarket or the present you ordered which hasn’t been delivered yet might feel like the last straw, but try to take a step back and put these things into perspective. Yes it’s annoying to have to stand in a queue, but if you take some deep breaths and think about all the things you’re looking forward to this Christmas, you might find the time passes more peacefully.

A woman is lying down on a bed facing away from the camera. She is wearing a black bralette and Y.O.U waistband boy shorts.

5. Do the Easy Things

Think of the easy and fun ways you can get yourself into the festive spirit. Light some wintery candles, put your Christmas jumper on, and pour yourself a mulled wine! It doesn’t have to be homemade or perfect, just something you can enjoy with those around you.

6. Get Outside

If the kitchen, the lists and the shops are all getting a bit too much, grab your wellies and head outside for a walk. Despite the grey weather at the moment, a bit of time in the fresh air always does wonders and you’re sure to return feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

7. Plan some Fun!

There's so much we want to do at this time of year to get into the festive spirit, but plans often end up being pushed aside when something else pops up. Try to carve out time for the fun stuff where you can for some little festive moments. You could book a pantomime, visit some Christmas lights, or just schedule a games night. And if you're taking advantage of your new delegating plan, you can put someone else in charge of the organising!

A couple are standing and laughing together as a woman wraps a piece of ribbon around a man. The woman is wearing a black bralette and festive printed pyjama bottoms. The man is wearing a grey t shirt.

8. Don't be too Hard on Yourself

Ultimately Christmas is a time to be spent with loved ones, eating delicious food and being merry. In the grand scheme of things, forgetting a few christmas cards or not buying enough crackers isn’t going to ruin the day and we’ll all be here celebrating again next year anyway! So try not to beat yourself up if you feel like you’re running behind and don’t compare yourself to others (they’ve definitely forgotten something as well!).

A gift basket with two small black Y.O.U cotton bags inside and a red bauble.

We hope that these reminders can help you to find some time for peace this busy festive season and that your plans can all run a little more smoothly. Make sure to share the restfulness with others and pass on some of your own ideas for finding joy amongst the chaos!

Take a look at our other posts for more Christmas tips:

Find Sustainable Gifts for Everyone with our 2024 Gift Guide

Get into the spirit with these Low-Cost Festive Activities

Make your presents more sustainable with our Wrapping Guide

Written by YOU Team