Keeping Your Cool During the Festive Season!

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Written By The Informed Perspective

Is Christmas a traditionally stressful time for you? If so, why not break with tradition and do things your OWN WAY this year?

The run-up to Christmas can be exhausting, and for many, it’s filled with stress and pressure. But there are ways to reduce that strain and actually enjoy what should be the most magical time of the year. After all, it doesn’t have to be perfect to be joyful.

Be a cool ‘dear’ this year!

Personally, the run up to Advent this year has been a tough one. My family has been hit by illness after illness—from pneumonia to colds to gastro bugs. It’s been relentless! I’m holding my breath, hoping my youngest doesn’t bring home any new “gifts” from kindergarten after one child vomited all over the classroom floor yesterday  (fingers crossed it’s just the same stomach bug we’ve all had). The trials of having kids! With all the sickness, I’m behind on my usual Christmas preparations, and normally, that would have sent me into a full-on panic. I’m the type who usually has everything organized well in advance—decorations up, cookies and christmas cake baked far in advance, presents ordered and wrapped. But this year? I’ve found that not being so organized has been surprisingly liberating. The tree won’t arrive until the 21st, I still need to hang up the lights in the garden, and I haven’t wrapped any gifts yet. And you know what? I’m not bothered. I think it’s partly maturity, but it’s also the realization that it’s not the end of the world if things aren’t perfectly planned. My mental health is more important than stressing over every little detail. The kids don’t care if things are chaotic—honestly, I think they even prefer it this way. And if we don’t make the gingerbread house this year? No big deal! This year, I’m even letting them decorate the tree, well… at least the back of it (a small step, but a start)!

Christmas is a notoriously stressful time for many people, whether you love it or hate it. According to a UK public opinion survey, women are significantly more stressed than men around Christmas, with over a third[1] reporting feeling anxious. It feels like society still places the brunt of holiday preparations on women, especially those juggling both work and home life. For others, the season can be isolating—whether they’re far from family, dealing with financial struggles, or simply not celebrating Christmas in a predominantly Christian/Western culture.

The most important thing is to take it one step at a time and remember there are no “musts” when it comes to Christmas. The holiday will come and go, regardless of whether everything is perfect. And that’s okay.

Here are some practical ways to keep your cool and minimize the stress during the festive season:

1. Practice Mindfulness

Take a moment every day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It’s easy to focus on what we don’t have, but when you pause to really think, you might realize how much you truly have. Even small blessings can shift your perspective, and you may be surprised at how much better you feel when you focus on gratitude.

2. Reframe Your Expectations

Think about what you truly love about Christmas and focus on those things. Let go of the extras—the pressure to have a perfectly decorated home, the perfectly curated gifts, or the perfect meal. If you’re struggling, take a moment to ground yourself with the “anchor technique” (more details at the end). Focus on the emotional state you want to experience—whether it’s calm, joy, or contentment—and practice this daily. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, use your anchor to bring yourself back to a place of calm.

3. Carve Out Time for Yourself

During the hustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. But it’s crucial to find time—no matter how small—to recharge. Whether it’s taking a relaxing bath, reading a chapter of a book, calling a friend, or just going for a walk, do something that fills your cup. 

4. Delegate Tasks

Don’t try to do everything yourself! Christmas preparations can be a family affair. Ask your loved ones to help with cooking, decorating, and wrapping gifts. A shared load is not only more manageable, but it’s also more enjoyable. And if you’re really pressed for time, consider dropping some tasks altogether—buy the Christmas pudding instead of making it, or skip a decoration you had planned to put up. It’ll still be Christmas without it.

5. Stick to a Budget

If money is tight, set a clear budget and stick to it. Many parents feel pressure to buy the latest toys and gadgets for their kids, even when it’s beyond their means. According to a study out of the UK 54%[2] of parents feel pressured to get their children the latest commodities at Christmas even if they can’t afford it. Instead, think about giving experiences—plan a family movie night, cook a special meal together, plan a picnic, or give homemade gifts. Sometimes, the most meaningful presents aren’t the expensive ones.

6. Communicate Expectations

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by Christmas demands, sit down with your family and have an honest conversation. What are the things they truly care about? Let go of the extras and focus on what matters. You might even come up with a family motto, like, “We will find joy even in chaos!” This could be your motto of affirmation during stressful moments. You can even write it out and hang it on your fridge so you don’t forget!

7. Be Organized with Your Gifts

Do some research to find the best deals on gifts. Create a list of what you’re getting for each person and stick to it. As you tick off items, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, and you’ll avoid impulse buying. Keeping track of your expenses can also prevent financial stress.

8. Sell Unwanted Items

Why not declutter your home and make a little extra cash in the process? Many people are looking for good-value gifts around Christmas, and selling unwanted items can give you some extra pocket money. If you’re doing well financially, consider donating the proceeds to charity.

9. Reinvent the Christmas Meal

If the idea of preparing a large Christmas dinner fills you with dread, consider breaking with tradition. A less elaborate meal can reduce stress and leave you with more time to enjoy the day. Whether it’s a finger-food buffet, a fondue night, or a casual picnic in the living room, do what works best for you. The less time spent in the kitchen, the more time you’ll have to enjoy the festivities!

10. Give Back

Helping others can be incredibly rewarding, and it’s a great way to take the focus off your own holiday stress. Whether it’s baking cookies for a neighbor, volunteering at a local shelter, or donating to a cause, giving back is a wonderful way to embrace the spirit of Christmas.

11. Avoid Social Media Comparisons

Social media often showcases idealized versions of Christmas. Don’t compare your holiday to someone else’s. Focus on what makes your celebration special, and let go of the pressure to match others’ seemingly perfect experiences.

12. Don’t Let Family Tensions Get to You

Family gatherings can sometimes be tense, especially if there are unresolved issues or sensitive topics. Don’t expect perfection. There will be disagreements, and that’s okay. If things get uncomfortable, try to remove yourself from the situation. If something’s bothering you, take a quiet moment to talk it through with the person involved.

13. Honour Lost Loved Ones

For some, Christmas is a time of grief. If this resonates with you, focus on the positive memories you have of your loved ones. Share those memories with your family and create new traditions to honor them. Perhaps set an extra place at the table or display a photo in their memory.

14. Be Present

Christmas passes quickly, so make the most of it. Instead of worrying about the next task on your list, focus on the present moment. Play games with your family, cuddle up to watch Christmas movies, or read Christmas books. These small moments are what make the season special.

15. Include Others

If you know someone who will be alone during the holidays, invite them to join your celebrations. It can make a huge difference to their wellbeing, and you may find that it adds something special to your own holiday. If you’re spending Christmas alone, don’t be afraid to reach out to others and find ways to connect.

16. Let Go of Expectations

Expectations can set you up for disappointment, especially if things don’t go as planned. This year, try to let go of the pressure to have a “perfect” Christmas. Be flexible and allow the holiday to unfold naturally. Sometimes, that’s when the real magic happens.

What are your tips for managing holiday stress? How do you keep your cool during the festive season? What strategies work best for you? Have you already broken with tradition to protect your sanity and well-being?

Make Time for You!

Take a moment to take stock of all you have achieved in the last year and show yourself a little respite and love too!

If Christmas feels overwhelming and the pressure is starting to build, take a deep breath and remember: it’s okay to reinvent the holiday in a way that serves you and your family. Embrace what truly matters—love, connection, and joy—without letting stress take over. Not only you but also your loved ones will benefit from this. So, if the festive season feels daunting, take courage and take steps to make it less stressful.

 

Merry Christmas, and may your holidays be full of calm ownership, joy, and precious moments! 🎄✨

 

Resources for Relaxation During the Holidays:

If you’re looking for ways to unwind and stay grounded, these videos might help:

And for some fun with your kids:

 

For a quick mental reset, try the anchoring technique:

Choose a desired emotional state for the holidays (calm, joy, peace), and practice connecting to it daily.
When stress builds up, use your anchor to bring yourself back to that state. This simple technique can make a world of difference in staying grounded throughout the season.


Resource References:

[1] https://www.youtube.com/@YogawithShaunneka

[2] https://www.youtube.com/@AmalaMovement

[3] https://www.youtube.com/@iLaYoga

[4] https://www.youtube.com/@highdesertyogi

[5] https://www.youtube.com/@Rebekah-BodyIllumination

[6] https://www.youtube.com/@MeditationVacation

[7] https://www.youtube.com/@paradigmmeditations6442

[8] https://www.youtube.com/@GenerationCalm

[9] https://www.youtube.com/@CosmicKidsYoga

[10] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjW-3doUmNsyY5aLQHLiNXg

[11] https://www.youtube.com/@happymindsmeditation

Text References:

[1] https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/parents-say-christmas-expectations-have-got-out-control-majority-concerned-about-affordabilit

[2] https://yougov.co.uk/health/articles/26954-christmas-harms-mental-health-quarter-brits

Images courtesy of Freepix.

The Informed Perspective https://www.theinformedperspective.com
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