With so many events and commitments, December can be a very busy time, but it can also be a difficult month, with the seemingly never-ending to-do list potentially leading to fatigue.
Keeping this in mind, Andy Chandler of Barefoot Coaching - a personal coaching and development programme in the UK - has shared some top tips for navigating the holiday chaos unscathed.
Focus on messages of joy and hope
Christmas cards tend to focus on emotions and feelings rather than tangible gifts or goods. And when you receive a card, you have the reassurance that this person has been thinking of you and has even taken the time to write a few lines to show they care.
"Schedule 10-15 minutes a day to either reach out to a friend via phone or text or write a letter or card to someone you care about to let them know you're thinking of them," Chandler advised.
"This small act of kindness will go a lot further than the box of shortbread you were originally going to buy them!"
Know when to say no
Prioritising your wellbeing is vital for a calm and stress-free Christmas.
"You're likely wearing multiple hats during the festive season and organising lots of different elements. So being empowered to say no to the things that don't light you up is vital," the expert explained.
"Don't want to go to your neighbour's festive drinks when they don't speak to you the rest of the year? Say no. Don't want to run around picking up gifts for your siblings to give to your parents (you know, after you sent messages a month ago reminding them)? Say no."
Don't take responsibility for everyone else's enjoyment
Planning in joy is a part of Christmas that often gets forgotten. Consider who you would like to visit. Or why not set aside some time so you can order a mince pie and a gingerbread latte at your favourite café?
"Don't want to spend your whole Christmas cooking 25 different dishes for everyone's individual preferences? Don't!" Chandler continued.
"Delegate dishes to all your guests to bring with them and make it part of the fun! Make your own personal wellbeing list, check it twice and enjoy every second of the things that you like this festive season."
Prioritise movement
In the midst of the festive period, it's very easy to forget to hit pause - but taking a deep breath and focusing on movement is imperative.
"Christmas is a time of indulgence, which can often make us feel sluggish, and yes, we know that exercise is normally the first thing to slip when our lives get busy!" he noted.
"Make a promise to yourself to commit to at least 15 minutes of exercise a day. This could be a walk around the block, a yoga class on YouTube or a FaceTime workout with a friend. Simple exercises can make a huge difference when you're feeling emotionally or physically exhausted around the Christmas period."
Stop comparing yourself to others
Do what feels good for you, not what you think you should be doing.
"At this time of year, it is really easy to look at what others are doing and put extra pressure on yourself to have the perfect Christmas, buy the perfect gifts or attend every sparkling event. Remember, you do not have to do this. This is a moment to consider what is really important to you and focus on that, not on keeping up with others," Chandler advised.
"Knowing your own core values, and staying true to yourself, not only feels good but it takes the pressure to 'perform' for other people out of it, and that's really the secret to a calm Christmas."
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