Having a ‘Happy’ Christmas

Christmas is a family time, a time of fun and happiness. But as mental health charity Mind points out “it’s a time of the year that often puts extra pressure on us, and can affect our mental health.”

With all the extra shopping, wrapping presents, putting up Christmas trees and decorations, countless recipes for festive food, parties and Christmassy events it can be overwhelming, especially if your job has festive overtones.

It is all too easy to feel frustrated by the way society promotes ideas of a ‘perfect Christmas’, where families get together and there are lots of presents and food. Many people will be experiencing Christmas alone for the first time, having lost loved ones over the year. Others will be worried about health and finances, especially with the pressure to spend, spend, spend at Christmas. Memories of last Christmas spent under coronavirus restrictions may also affect your reactions, while some people may be in abusive relationships and fear the longer time at home.

As a result, Christmas can be incredibly stressful.

Recognising this, and preparing for it can make a difference. By reducing the stress levels, you can still find ways to have a relaxing Christmas.

We’ve put together some suggestions to help.

Prioritize, decide what is most important and don’t try to do everything all at once.

Create a list of what you absolutely need to do, and which need to be done first. Don’t leave everything to the last minute, shop early, decide what you are going to do for Christmas, wrap up presents, decorate and prepare food as far ahead as possible. Add something special for you – pamper yourself when everything is done.

Avoid making personal comparisons with what others are doing

Try and avoid watching adverts on TV or social media. Being constantly urged to buy something expensive or see images of happy families can be discouraging. Record programmes and zoom through the adverts!

Be realistic about family gatherings

It’s not always rosy and happy. There can be arguments, friction between people especially those whom you don’t see very often. Aim to avoid taking part in arguments, do what you can to avoid making situations worse. Take time out to have some peace and calm. If you expect a family gathering to be tough, why not plan something to look forward to afterwards such as a special treat or a meet up with a close friend?

Keep stress levels low

Go for a walk, listen to some music, meditate – whatever helps you relax. Take time for yourself. Getting involved with nature perhaps by a walk in the park, strolling up a hill and enjoying the view, walking through woodland is great for personal wellness. If you are tired, don’t try to drive long distances to visit relatives. Just say you need to rest – people will understand.

Don’t over eat or drink too much. It’s tempting but not worth it since it can make you feel worse, bloated and depressed.

Remember your wider community

Think about friends and contacts who may be spending Christmas on their own. With so much emphasis on family, it can be a very lonely time. Show that you care.

Volunteering can help reduce loneliness especially if it is your first time on your own. Helping others can relieve loneliness, and can bring new friendships.

Seek help

Ask for help. .Sharing a problem helps. It can result in new ways of dealing with an issue, or reduce the tension involved. Find someone to talk to – it may be a colleague, a close friend or a relative. Whatever the time of day, the Samaritans are always at the end of a phone. Just ring Freephone 116 123 24 hours a day, 7 days a week