I’ll just come straight out and say it: Christmas is very
stressful. And I put it down to one word: expectations. We all have high expectations
of having the “perfect” Christmas Day. From getting the perfect Christmas
present for our friends and relatives to having the perfect Christmas lunch, we
can get ourselves quite stressed trying to achieve the perfect Christmas Day.
But what if you are on holidays? Being away from your home
will mean a completely different Christmas to what you and your family are used
to.
We’ve come up with 9 tips to reduce stress this Christmas
while on holidays!
1. Money.
Yes, the Number #1 stress for people at Christmas is money. Because let’s face
it: Christmas is a very expensive exercise.
I’ve learnt not to leave buying all those presents until the last
minute. I plan carefully and spread purchase over the year. Alternatively open
a Christmas Club Account! If you are going on holidays explain that it is a “family
present” to go away together on such a fantastic holiday.
2. If
you are on holidays you’ll need to do some serious planning to make sure you
have all the food you want while you are away. You don’t want to be caught high
and dry so make sure you have supplies!
3. Wrap
presents early. I always seem to be up at some ridiculous hour Christmas Eve
wrapping presents. This year I vow to do it early so I can relax Christmas Eve
with a wine and a movie!
4. Lunch.
If you are on holidays you probably won’t want to go to all the effort of
trying to roast a turkey with all the trimmings. Think simple but nice. Incorporate
a few special treats you might not normally have. How about a gourmet BBQ?
5. My
Grandmother was a clever woman and always had a couple of extra presents under
the tree for those unexpected guests (or if you happen to be invited somewhere
while away!) For example: wine, chocolate, a tin of biscuits, lovely handmade
soaps, photo frames or albums are all very good “stand-by” presents.
6. Stick
to routine – even if you are away or on holidays! This is especially important
for younger kids. One or two late nights are okay, but try to stick with their
usual bedtime, naptimes etc. They will be less grumpy=less tantrums=less
stress!
7. Santa?
Get your story straight. The kids are probably going to be concerned about
Santa finding them while they are on holidays. Then there is the problem of
lugging presents back and forth. On Christmas Day give them a few small
presents with a special card from Santa explaining he left the bigger presents
under the tree. You might have to line up a special friend or relative to “arrange”
the delivery of presents ready for your return.
8. If
you are travelling and in an unfamiliar place once Christmas, take a few small
pieces of home with you – such as a small Christmas tree with a few favourite
decorations and the photo with Santa will make your kids feel a little “more at
home.”
9. Be
flexible. Remember you are not at home so some of the regular traditions might
not take place. But this is a great chance to start some new family traditions
together!
And my bonus tip is this: make a list (or two or three) and
check it twice. A list for presents, food, food preparation or anything else
that needs to be done before your holiday. We all love crossing things off
lists and feeling like you are working towards Christmas on a day by day basis
will make things feel like they are going a lot smoother.
Do you go away at Christmas time? Or are you planning to
this year?
xx Ali
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