5 Tips for a Stress-free Christmas
Christmas can be stressful. And this year, most of us are already stressed. It’s been a difficult year, full of uncertainty, changing rules, restrictions and lockdowns. But Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, a season to enjoy time with those we love around delicious food, laughter and fun.
As we come into another Christmas season, here are my 5 top tips for minimising holiday season stress.
1. Identify the stress
Take some time to think about what is stressing you this Christmas. For me, that involves making a cuppa and grabbing my journal. I write about how I’m feeling about Christmas, and the worrying thoughts find their way onto the paper.
Do you get worked up over the menu and the expectation of having a perfect meal on the table? Do you find yourself over-busy with events to attend every evening, making you physically exhausted? Do you have tricky family relationships that bubble to the surface every Christmas? Is your budget under pressure this year?
Whatever it may be, take the time to clearly articulate the things that are making you feel stressed.
2. Brainstorm Creative Solutions
Now that you know the key stress points, think through possible ways to minimise the pressure. Begin with a brainstorm—no idea is off-limits. Think outside the box. Often the best solutions are versions of the craziest ideas.
How can you simplify the menu? What shortcuts can you take? What dishes can you prepare in advance or order in to take the pressure off Christmas day?
Are there some people you can spend time with before or after Christmas to simplify the relational dynamic on the day?
Can you give handmade gifts instead of spending more than you can afford this year? Search Pinterest for ideas of handmade gifts, or visit a local Christmas market.
As you brainstorm ideas you can formulate a plan to minimise or avoid the parts of Christmas you find most stressful. If you get stuck for ideas, ask for help. Talk it through with your family or a trusted friend. Take your anxiety to God in prayer and ask Him to guide your path.
3. Focus on the Best of Christmas
Prioritise the things you love most about Christmas. In the busyness, make sure you protect the people, events and traditions that bring you joy and fill your soul. Christmas is a meaningful time. Don’t let the stressful moments erode the beauty of the season.
A few years ago, we began the tradition of decorating gingerbread houses together. My children are young adults who all live independently. We have to intentionally plan to spend time together on the busy days before Christmas. We have wonderful memories of icing and sprinkles covering the table, a Christmas movie playing in the background. My son never follows the traditional path. Last year he made a gingerbread RV.
This year we will be separated by COVID border restrictions, spending Christmas on opposite sides of the country. But, thanks to a video conference, we will still decorate gingerbread houses together.
4. Be Proactive
If there are aspects of Christmas you find stressful, be proactive and take control. Don’t expect others to save you from your struggle. Your husband can’t read your mind. Don’t resort to emotional blackmail, cranky outbursts or silent moods to communicate your discontent.
Communicate your feelings clearly. Let your family know about the anxiety you feel when you get cornered in the kitchen with Aunt Molly and make a plan of escape.
Hold a family meeting and decide together the events you will attend, agreeing together what to say no to this year.
Delegate responsibilities to others and trust them to come through for you. Ask for help with decorating, food preparation, setting up and cleaning. Make a roster to take turns sitting with grandpa. Recruit a team to make Christmas a great experience for everyone.
5. Be Kind
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
—Brad Meltzer
Everyone is fighting a battle. This has been particularly true this past couple of years. No one has gone untouched from the challenges the world has faced, not even our children. We need to take a deep breath and be kind, especially at Christmas.
There are loved ones who will be missing from our Christmas dinner tables. There will be family members separated by border restrictions. There is the trauma of political and social unrest, employment uncertainty, conspiracy theory fatigue… the list is pretty long, and no one has been spared.
This Christmas, be kind. We can’t always see the pain, but we can be assured that the pain is always there.
Include yourself in your kindness. Allow yourself the grace you extend to others. Give yourself permission to say no to commitments you would usually volunteer for. It’s okay if this Christmas looks a little bit different. Focus on the things that are most important, and let the rest go.
I hope these tips help you feel positive and confident as we get close to Christmas. I would love to help you focus on Jesus, the bringer of peace and joy, the heart of our Christmas celebration. I know you will love my Christmas devotional, All is Calm. You can find out more about it and order your copy today.
