As we approach the "season of good cheer" as it is known to many in the West, I wonder how many people view the passing of December with an increasing sense of dread?

What does Christmas mean for you?
A time to celebrate the birth of Christ? A time to think about your fellow human beings and a wish to share and care? A time to enjoy yourself?
A time for spending time with loved ones?

Or, is it a time of hassle and pressure? All the commercial drivers to spend, causing worry about money and even more credit card debt? The time commitment to get around (or host) family and friends? Rather than a period of rest and relaxation, it all appears to be busy and intense with no personal time? (Made worse for many in retail or other professions where you are working!)

Research consistently shows that for many people, the Christmas holiday is a stressful time. Incidences of violence in the home increase, domestic and relationship problems are amplified, families fall out - all in this period of "Goodwill to all men"!!

To help you handle this season in a way which can reduce the impact of the pressure consider which of the following ideas might work for you.

Before:

• Develop a plan for what you need to do. This can help you to organise things in a manageable way. Start as soon as possible.



• Make sure you are allowing time for you and your family in the holiday schedule. Avoid committing all the time to seeing others, even if you have a large family! Plan some "down days" or entertainment for yourselves, whether cinema, pantomime, or just a walk.



• Feel free to say "no" to invitations which are going to add to your time pressures.



• Do plan to see, or spend time with, people you want to be around.



• Consider doing a budget for what you want to spend over the whole period. (Include food, drink, entertainment as well as presents.) Stick with this! It is easy to get carried away over the Festive Season - and then struggle to pay off the bills afterwards.



• Unless is suits your own personality to rush everything, aim to have things bought, sorted out, meals planned etc with time to spare!



• Decide what to eat over the days you will be at home. Aim to balance your meals and avoid overloading on rich and heavy food. Consider cooking or making some different food over the holiday. If entertaining, do some "simple" foods to make your life easier - stews, casseroles etc. People are visiting for your company and social reasons, not a gastronomic test!



• Rather than stock up with too much bought in or convenience foods, aim to use as much healthy or home made food as you can. (Taking time to prepare and make some of your own dishes can be relaxing - and is a lot less costly!)



• Make things ahead and freeze them. (Mince pies, sausage rolls, stews, pasta sauces, pies, cheesecakes to name a few!)



• Remember, the supermarkets and food outlets are only closed for 2-3 days!! You do not have to buy 3 weeks of supplies at one go!



• Enlist help from others in the household, young and old! Involve children in the things you don't normally do so it feels like a special time.



• Decorating the house, the tree and whatever else you choose can be done over time! Think about just what you want everything to look like. Ask whether you really need to get new decorations? Can you be innovative with what you have, what you can make?



• Pre-plan what you will do with the rubbish which Christmas generates? Have plenty of bin bags to hand. Keep some boxes to store used bottles. Clear out what you can before­ visitors arrive.



• Make some time for leisure and pleasure in the run up to the holiday. Maybe get a massage or some other personal "indulgence".



• Aim to get a few earlier nights in this phase. It will help you to feel more energised and able to cope with the demands to come.



• Although we have some of our shortest days - get some fresh air, go for a walk. Allow yourself to slow down for a while.



• Take care of your health! For many people, the break from routine signals to the body that it can now take things easy and so various bugs which have been held at bay suddenly get through your resistance. Consider upping your intake of fruit (there is a lot of natural vitamin C available!) and possibly taking some supplements.

During:

• Recognise that the immediate time over Christmas can be stressful for some, and we each respond to different factors. Make allowances for others', whether in your home or you in theirs!



• Agree with any visitors, that there are going to be times for them to do what they want, and times when you will do what you want. It is your holiday too!



• Tell visitors where things are, so that they can help themselves and you are not always up and down looking after everyone.



• Remember to get your rest - sleep is key! Late nights and early mornings can be major contributors to stress build up! You do not have to stay up with any night owls!



• Start the day with a decent breakfast, including some healthy options such as fruit, fruit juice, (make smoothies?), sugar free cereal, eggs, fish.



• Resist the temptation to start on alcohol too early.



• Have plenty of water and soft drinks available, plus tea and coffee - not just for the drivers or children. Aim to alternate water or a soft drink with an alcoholic one. (Minimise the fizzy drinks for young ones too.)



• With meals, have water and soft drinks as well as wine on the table.



• Prepare what you can for meals, in advance, especially on Christmas Eve. Vegetables can be done and stored in bags in the fridge. Make lots of ice, slice lemons, put beer somewhere cool (or in the fridge if you have space.)



• On Christmas Day, follow whatever routines or rituals suit your family regarding present giving and opening. Do plan some "clear" time in the day, rather than organise every minute.



• Too much rich food, added to alcohol, people feeling tired, and all close together is a problem waiting to happen. Encourage everyone to get some space - whether going to other rooms, out for a walk, visiting a local event or even going to the pub. This can be a great pressure valve!



• Clear up things as you go along. Wrapping paper, bottles, cardboard all need to go out as soon as possible. Get everyone involved in making sure that empty glasses, cups, plates etc are moved to the appropriate place as soon as is reasonable.



• Create a relaxing atmosphere as far as you can - especially in your own room. Scented candles or burning oils can help this.



• If travelling to visit, allow time for your trip. Although many roadworks are suspended, there can still be hold-ups on the road - and public transport may not be running!



• Provide youngsters with things to do in the car - they will be very excited and excitable and coupled with frayed nerves for the adults this is a volatile mix.



• Plan when you will leave so that you can look forward to getting home to have "own" or "family" time in your own home.



• If you are starting to feel yourself getting wound up, take time out if possible. Should this be tricky - take some deep breaths, hold them and count to 10. Remember, the holiday is not long, the situation will change and your time will be yours again soon. Do you want to spend it feeling annoyed or uptight? It's your choice!



• If you have already convinced yourself that it will be an awful time with the "wicked witch of the west," or other relatives, spend time reframing your thoughts & agreeing how it will be a fun, interesting, amusing, useful...time.

After:

• Take time to do nothing!



• Clear the clutter as soon as you can. Take excess rubbish to the dump (and chill out about the queues, there is no rush!)



• Make time to do things together with family or partners. This is your time for you.



• Recharge batteries - go to bed at sensible times and allow yourself a lie in or two for as long as your body wants.



• Reflect on the things you enjoyed over the holiday and enjoy the gifts you received./li>
  
  
• Avoid rushing to the post Xmas sales.



• Have a few days (or meals) where you eat simple food. Have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks - water is good for you, especially in our centrally heated lives!



• Pampering is in order - leisurely bath times, massage, sitting with a favourite book, music you like. You've earned it!!



• Start to think about the New Year ahead. Think about what you want it to be for you. It can be helpful to identify some key goals you want to achieve and write these down.



• Remember, the days are getting longer for the next 5 months and spring is not far away!!

Enjoy a happy and healthy Christmas time and successful New Year.