Quiet and contemplative – that’s how the Christmas season is sung about. However, the reality is quite different: In fact, many people find the holidays particularly stressful. But that doesn’t have to be the case. These 5 tips will help you get through the next few days more calmly.
#1: A sorrow shared is a sorrow halved
There is no reason why the entire burden of the holiday preparations should be borne by just one person. So divide up the work – when shopping, decorating the tree, setting the table, cooking and decorating for the New Year’s Eve party. Preparations are much more fun together!
#2: Lower your expectations and perfectionism!
Advertising, films, books – they all conjure up a perfect world, especially at Christmas. Everything runs like clockwork, everything is harmonious, nothing goes wrong. It’s no wonder that nerves are frayed and frustration and disappointment set in when the reality doesn’t match the picture in the back of your mind. So keep in mind that the world will not end if the tree is crooked, the roast is dry or a gift is not well received by the recipient – say goodbye to unhealthy perfectionism! And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise – no one is perfect!
#3: Managing conflicts
Your partner is lying lazily on the sofa, the children are playing on the computer, while you don’t know where your head is in the face of a family visit. The mother-in-law gives unsolicited parenting tips, the daughter starts a discussion about animal husbandry in view of the Christmas goose. These are the straw that breaks the proverbial camel’s back – putting Christmas peace and the celebration of love a long way off.
However, smouldering conflicts and irritating issues do not have to turn into holiday crashers: As already mentioned, focus on sharing tasks and realistic expectations – this will reduce your own stress levels. If Christmas is important to you, postpone relationship discussions until after the holidays. Don’t let yourself be provoked! Set boundaries politely but firmly! If you know that certain family members or friends don’t get along, invite them over at different times. Avoiding sensitive topics is also a strategy for getting through the Christmas holidays well.
#4: Allow yourself some time out
If everything becomes too much for you and the mood threatens to tip over, it’s best to treat yourself to some time out. Get some exercise, treat yourself to a warm bath, have a quick phone call with your best friend or retreat to another activity that you enjoy. Afterwards, your batteries will be recharged and you will be able to cope with the stress of the Christmas holidays more easily.
#5: Create free space
Not every vacation or vacation day has to be completely planned, spontaneity also has its charm. Family members and friends may even be happy if you don’t meet up during the Christmas period, which is already packed with appointments, but instead in the New Year. And say goodbye to the cliché that Christmas is the time for family and that they therefore have to stick together. Going your separate ways for a short time creates space and makes the get-together afterwards all the more enjoyable.
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