Every year, I envision the Christmas season as this idyllic image of our family decked out in matching pajamas, trimming the tree with perfectly coordinated ornaments, flawlessly executing a holiday feast, and watching our kids unwrap meticulously wrapped presents, all against the backdrop of festive parties and a winter wonderland. But then reality hits, and I realize that life rarely aligns with those dreamy expectations.
Amidst the holiday fun and cheer, there’s no denying the challenges that come with this time of year. So, if you find yourself grappling with the stress of Christmas chaos, fear not. Like many, if not all, parents, I too am navigating the delicate art of maintaining composure during the holiday hustle. With gifts to purchase, trees to adorn, exhaustive shopping lists, and a house full of relatives, it’s no wonder stress levels are on the rise.
While achieving a completely stress-free Christmas might be a bit ambitious, I’ve got five tips to help you carve out a more peaceful festive break.
Embrace the Outdoors
Feeling like you might lose your sanity in the 100-mile line for the last advent calendar? Ready to explode from the festive extravagance? It’s time to step outside, breathe, and de-stress. The rhythmic motion of walking has a naturally calming effect on the brain, reducing anxiety and promoting better sleep. Considering Chiang Mai’s ‘relatively’ mild December weather, why not indulge in a refreshing family stroll or bike ride around one of the city’s lush public parks?
Enjoy More by Doing Less
Christmas tends to be synonymous with excess—more cooking, more alcohol, and more late-night revelry. It’s no surprise if we find ourselves feeling less than optimal. The solution? Opt for doing less. Don’t hesitate to decline the occasional social invitation. Set a budget for the Christmas dinner to avoid overspending. Enlist help for all the tasks on your list instead of shouldering the burden alone. Involve the kids in the festive preparations, whether it’s baking Christmas cookies or assigning older ones the task of peeling potatoes or brainstorming table settings. Many hands make light work!
Avoid Perfectionism
During the holiday frenzy, we often exhaust ourselves by setting impossibly high standards. From finding the perfect gifts to ensuring the Christmas dinner rivals a restaurant’s spread, it’s easy to succumb to stress. Grant yourself the freedom to let a few things slide. If the house is a bit untidy or dinner is fashionably late, remind yourself of the essence: quality time with family. Stop fretting over minutiae, and you’ll discover it’s easier to find peace during the holidays.
Make Time for Some YOU Time
Back-to-back parties, bustling malls, and a house filled with loved ones—Christmas can easily become overwhelming. Take a moment to sneak in a little ‘you’ time over the holidays. Treat yourself to a spa day, catch a movie at the cinema, or practice deep breathing to slow your heart rate and ease anxiety. In short, indulge in whatever brings you joy. And if guilt creeps in, remember that taking time for self-care benefits everyone around you.
Take Care of Your Body
Healthy routines often take a backseat during Christmas. Poor diet, lack of sleep, and minimal exercise can all contribute to heightened stress levels. Make a commitment to self-care. Carve out time for the gym or a swim—exercise releases endorphins and reduces cortisol and adrenaline levels, alleviating mental stress. To curb late-night party food binging, incorporate a few healthy, high-protein snacks throughout the day. Instead of staying up for that midnight Christmas movie, gift yourself a couple more hours of shut-eye or enjoy a good book. Your body will thank you the next day!
Always keep in mind, your kids won’t notice the little things that go awry, but they will forever cherish the extra time spent with you.
