Feeling panicked about the big day? No need! Use these tips for a stress free Christmas!

 

Seek a fresh perspective

Make a change. Take one task that drives you crazy during the holidays and tackle it in a new way. A fresh approach just might make a difference. For example, if you dread having to send out holiday cards, enlist your husband and split the list, get the children involved, envelope lickers – check! – my kids love delivering the cards.

Stick to the budget!

Lists! Lists! Lists! Every year I make a list and write down budgets and gift ideas. Stick to it and you’ll be well within your budget for the big day! Download a Christmas shopping list app before you get started. Input names and budgets and update whenever you buy.

Recommended : Christmas Gift List ( free on IOS App Store).

Drop high – stress, expensive traditions

If you’re dragging your kids off to see The Nutcracker—it’s a tradition!—but they’re whining every step of the way, make a switch. True, families thrive on traditions, but it’s less about the event itself, which your kids may have outgrown, and more about time together. If your kids are complaining, drop expensive, high-stress rituals in favor of something simple and appealing, like a Christmas Eve chocolate-chip pancake feast – now who can resist that!

7 things to stock up on!

• prescription medication

• kitchen and toilet roll

• sticky tape

• bin bags

• tea & coffee

• tin foil

• Tupperware

Groceries to your door

You may have left it too late for a supermarket delivery slot of your choice but it’s always worth checking availability on late night slots. Veg box companies and the milkman also sell turkey and all the trimmings at this time of year – and your milkman covers fresh and store cupboard foods too!

Colds and flu.

Cold weather and central heating can both dry out your nose, making it easier for germs to get through and into your system. Add that to sneezing families and it’s hardly surprising that colds are common this time of year! – Regular exercise and a healthy diet have much more robust proof where preventing colds is concerned. — of course, it’s not to late to get your flu immunisation if you’re in a high risk group!

“Remember to have fun”

As you take part in trimming the tree or preparing  cookies with your kids, take a deep breath and savor the moment. Give yourself permission to forget about all those tasks still left on your to-do list. Enjoy the moment!

 

Christmas Top Tips

1. Get your veg prepped the day before (and anything else that you can!)

2. Don’t forget the pigs in blankets

3. Make sure your partner is at hand to help

4. Never have too much to drink on Christmas Eve

5. Don’t forget to call elderly relatives

6. Don’t eat too much chocolate before lunch (save room for all that turkey!)

7. Remember to put the Champagne in the fridge

8. Don’t let the kids get up before 6.30am

9. Try to keep the alcohol on the back burner before 1pm

10. Remember to enjoy the day and relax!

11. And most of all … have a wonderful Christmas!

 

From our house to yours. Merry Christmas!