Christmas is one of those times of year. The lead-up is chaotic; you might be finishing work projects for a break, worrying about family get-togethers, or it might not be a great time of year for you. You arrive at the actual day, and the kids get up at five, or in my case, the Labrador. You didn’t sleep, worrying about the day ahead, and by 9 a.m., you’re so tired that you’re on your fourth coffee, wondering why it always has to be this way. Sometimes we need to realise that always doing the same thing will always produce the same result. Here are five ways to revamp your Christmas lead-up.
Less Screen Time
It sounds counterproductive, really. We are busier in the lead-up, so it’s natural to spend more time on our phones. Screen time activates dopamine, which is involved in addiction and excitement. Excessive screen time has been linked to a lack of focus, heightened stress reactions, and disruptions to the body’s natural sleep cycles. Try turning your phone notifications off for an hour or so each night, or set it to silent mode.
Ask For Help
It’s not a natural thing to do. Many of us find it difficult. If you are struggling for whatever reason, ask for help. Christmas can be a difficult time of year emotionally, reach out to someone you trust. Speak with a counsellor, or a friend. If you are struggling financially, reach out to a local church. I will also include some place that can help at the bottom of this article. Sometimes just sharing what is going on, makes you realise that you aren’t alone.
Done is Better Than Perfect
I have struggled with this one over the years. My philosophy used to be Why do it if you are not going to make it perfect? I have come to realise that actually done IS better than perfect. I can guarantee you that if I asked my now adult kids, they would rather I aim for done and slightly less tightly wound. I have, at various times over the years, been guilty of being so desperate to make Christmas Day perfect that my stress and anxiety led me to snap at the people I was trying to make it ideal for.
Expensive Stuff Doesn’t Matter
Over the years, I have gone to great lengths to buy the perfect gifts, spending hundreds of dollars at times. Don’t get me wrong, I still love giving gifts, but I try to keep it within a budget. Now that I have older parents as well as emerging adult children, I ultimately want to spend time with them. The memories are what matter, and actually, I have so many memories of fantastic Christmases that have nothing to do with expensive gifts. As my parents and my children get older, I am continually reminded of what a gift they all are to me.
Practice Gratitude
No matter what is happening in your world. Try to find something to be thankful for. When I was pregnant with my daughter, my first marriage unexpectedly fell apart around me. That Christmas was one of the hardest I have ever faced. Gratitude gave me small glimmers of hope that it would be ok.
Christmas can be an incredibly stressful and challenging time of year. Sometimes, a few small shifts can make a world of difference.
Moments To Rest 
Leave a comment