Bah Humbug! 6 ways to make Christmas easier

Christmas can evoke the same response as a certain yeast extract – either love or loathing.

For some, the “Holiday Season” is one of stress, with no magic, nor mistletoe. It can be exhausting and expensive. For those dreading its impending arrival here are six ways to make it less difficult.

1. Sleep – get enough of it. Pick and choose what events you go to.
2. Food – eat sensibly. Christmas is a really hard time to stick to a diet; allow a little treat but decide beforehand what that “little” will be – perhaps one mince pie, instead of three. Then eat it slowly, savouring each mouthful.
3. Exercise – get the children and dogs outside no matter what the weather is doing. And then go with them and enjoy the great outdoors.
4. Drink – be wise. A mixer with ice may or may not have spirit in but looks the part. Do you really “need” another glass? Another bottle? Get a friend or partner to be your accountability partner. Opt to be the driver.
5. Overspending – nothing spoils Christmas faster than worrying about the bills expected in January. Create a budget you can afford and stick to it. Don’t let the emotional blackmail of children who simply “must have” the latest gadgets sucker you into debt. It may mean saying “No!” but the long-term gain outweighs the so-called short-term thrill.
6. If you live with depression why not get a support group or network of friends involved. Offer to be available on the phone if someone needs a friend and vice-versa. Share the struggle.

Remember it is meant to be a season to be jolly, do enjoy it.