In the run up to Christmas, do you feel calm and in control, or under pressure to do everything?
Are you looking forward to Christmas as we head into the last months of the year, feeling calm and in control, or are you starting to feel the pressure?
Christmas can be a special time of year where we slow down, recognise the year that has past, give thanks, spend time with family, sing carols, watch favourite movies, eat turkey with all the trimmings, and enjoy cheeky drinks with friends.
It can be exciting, and magical, especially if you have children… but it can also feel very stressful if you are trying to do it all. It’s tempting to feel like we have to create the perfect Christmas for everyone, full of wonderful memories, treats and fun!
If you are trying to do it all, it can feel overwhelming. You deserve to enjoy yourself too, to relax, have a good time and be present to enjoy time with loved ones. You don’t want to reach Christmas Eve frazzled and stressed out!
If you are feeling the pressure, these Christmas preparation tips will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed this season.
5 Practical Christmas Organising Strategies
1. Take a pause!
Doing more and working late into the night may get you there eventually but it will burn you out in the process, making you stressed and taking the enjoyment out of it for you and your family. So make a little time to stop and take a breath, perhaps take yourself off to a café or for a walk so that you can get some headspace. It may feel counter intuitive but pausing will actually make you more focused and productive.
2. Make lists
Write out of everything that is spinning around in your head; to do lists; gifts lists; Christmas cards to write; events to attend, food shopping – get everything out of your head. Then let it go. You don’t need to remember everything now that’s it’s captured and you can focus on the most important.
Whilst I use my phone a lot, when I feel overwhelmed, I find it helps to write everything down on paper to get it out of my head and keep track of it all. So I’ve created the Ultimate Calm Christmas planner which includes checklists, key dates and ideas to help you stay organised this Christmas. Download your free copy here.
3. Strategise
It may not be possible to do everything you would like to do in the time available and it will stress you out trying. No-one wants you to reach Christmas a frazzled mess so you need to be strategic. Think carefully about what is most important to you this Christmas – for example, it might be spending time with family, meeting friends, taking a break or making time for community. Now go through your lists and prioritise. Pick out the things that align with what’s most important and down-grade those that don’t – if you don’t get to these it’s ok (cross them off if you are really feeling ruthless!)
The best thing you can do if it all feels overwhelming is stop for a moment. Refocus and think about what’s important. Remember…
‘Less is more’ – Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
4. Be efficient with your time
Block time in your diary for events and meet ups, along with time to shop, cook and take other actions. This will give you visibility so that you can adjust your plans according to your priorities and energy levels.
Save energy by choosing gifts that are easier for you to manage; gift vouchers for experiences and treats that friends and family wouldn’t normally get for themselves. You could bulk-bake biscuits or other treats (handmade goods are always special), send e-cards instead of physical cards or make a donation to charity instead of sending Christmas cards. I share lots of other ideas in my Ultimate Calm Christmas planner).
5. Do it your way
Christmas is a big deal, particularly for retailers; more than 20% of sales are made in the month leading up to Christmas. Marketeers work super hard to sell us the best Christmas décor, foods, gifts, activities and events. But don’t be pressured to do, be and buy everything; create the Christmas that works for you.
Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Listen to my podcast – You Deserve a calm not frazzled
