It’s December 1st and it seems that wherever you look Christmas is thrust upon us. It’s a constant reminder of what still needs to be done and what remains to be organised. With only a few weeks left before the big day whatever it means to you, it’s easy to let the media hype add pressure and whip you into something of a frenzy. 

It’s cliché to say things like ‘keep things in perspective, it’s just one day’ and ‘don’t lose sight of what the day is really about’ or ‘consider all of the less fortunate people’. I absolutely agree with these things and whilst it makes you pause for a while to make such considerations the vast majority of us will soon return to the reality of our own situation, mentally logging everything which we have to cram in to the next few weeks.

For many people Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without all the last minute buzzing about but for others the stress is unbearable and makes the whole occasion unpleasant. Ultimately people will operate and handle things in their own way and at their own pace so there isn’t a set rule to best manage the preparations. For me, the only way to ensure that everything gets done and I enjoy the festivities is to be extremely organised. That doesn’t mean starting my shopping in September or writing and posting my cards 6 weeks in advance.

I have something of a Christmas brainstorm in November when I write a list of everyone I have to buy presents for along with any initial ideas I may have for gifts and where they can be purchased. I never ever walk around the shops hoping to come across things which will be suitable presents for people. I don’t enjoy shopping at the best of times so where possible do all of my shopping and particularly Christmas shopping on line. The online retailers I use have extended returns policies, free returns and trusted delivery services. I like to order things at least 3 weeks in advance so that if they’re not suitable when they arrive, I have time to return them and purchase replacement gifts. 

I absolutely love buying presents for people and avoid purchasing anyone ‘tat’, rather I like to treat people to things that I know they will genuinely love and appreciate. If I wouldn’t be grateful of it myself, I wouldn’t buy it for someone else. I also write a budget for presents which I ensure I stick to. Some of the most thoughtful and personal gifts I’ve bought have cost less than £10. By searching online you can find some beautiful, unique gifts which don’t cost the earth. I firmly believe that ‘it’s the thought that counts’ but the meaningful thing in that statement is ‘thought’. I think about the person I’m buying for and want to give them something which will bring them joy.

As well as covering gifts on my Christmas brainstorm, I write down all other aspects of the festive period which I need to plan for including food, decorations, and people I need to visit etc.  I diarise when these things need to be done and ensure that I stick to it. I don’t create unnecessary work for myself and don’t commit to things which I can’t honour. I’m realistic and am fully aware of my own limits. Once you start spreading yourself too thinly and overpromising, you set yourself up to disappoint people and let them down. The pressure of that alone would be enough to ruin Christmas for me, so I don’t do it.

If you know that you’re likely to suffer from stress at this time of year it really is vital to formulate your own plan of action which will make the whole process manageable and will avoid you burning out or suffering meltdown. You don’t want to spend time snapping at your friends and family due to stress and exhaustion so give yourself 30 minutes today to sit down and make a plan. You may wish to do a new action plan weekly and cross off completed tasks to acknowledge what you’ve already achieved.

Keep sight of the bigger picture and do your utmost to enjoy yourself.

Make others happy and be merry!