Photo by Aaaon Burden on Unsplash

The Christmas season is almost here! While I write this with a sense of excitement I am aware that for many this is not the case. I have had Christmases in my life where I have dreaded it all – the gift giving, the many yearend get togethers and extra social activities and family. I freely admit that some of my best Christmases were the ones where I was able to let it all go and celebrate a day of freedom away from it all.

My tips for making the best of this period:

• Reconsider gifts – do you need to buy something for everyone in your life and business?
• Put a limit on the spending for gifts, for food, for activities eg Kris Kringle gifts, bring a plate food contributions, include an outside activity.
• Share the load and delegate some of what needs to be done eg I finally stopped cooking the traditional roast when the air con couldn’t cope with the heat of the day and the oven as well.
• Take some time out for yourself.
• Be present – this is a time for both quantity time & quality time with those around you.
• If you’re on your own and you don’t want to be say “yes” to invitations from others eg I’ve been invited to an orphans & waifs day – what a lovely way to be with welcoming people!
• Generosity comes in many forms – consider volunteering your time for a charity and helping ease the loneliness of those in tough times.

If you’re lucky enough to be in an industry where you get the public holidays off then enjoy them as guilt free days, put aside the work/business stresses and just be with those who are in your life. For those who are working your service is greatly appreciated by many of us, even if the Christmas stress doesn’t always show up as good manners and courtesy. I wish you all the best for a Christmas that is memorable for all the right reasons.

Stressed out by Christmas expectations? Contact me to find out partnering with a life coach can help you enjoy the festive season your way.