The Christmas Checklist Overload
Hands up if you’re ready for Christmas? Bought everything? Wrapped the presents? Cleaned and tidied the house? Planned what you’re eating and when things need to go in the oven? Looked at the TV schedule – are you going to fighting over the remote? All watching together? Everyone in different rooms on devices? Thought about who’s coming over? If you’re visiting? Planned routes? Have lists coming out of everywhere?!
And what about the pressure? Do you feel any? Maybe some overwhelm? Dread? Excited? Relief it’s all over this time next week?
Christmas Starts Earlier Every Year
It’s a funny time of year. We’re bombarded with advertisements and full shelves from about September. In October, the Christmas movies start in earnest and in November the music hits the radio airwaves. It all happens earlier every year. We’re sold the happy families, the enjoyment, the keeping up with the Joneses – what did you do / get / where did you go…?
Why the Festive Season Can Feel So Hard
Don’t get me wrong, I love this time of year, but I know it can be really hard for people. You may not have had the year you’d wanted and aren’t in a place to celebrate. You’re navigating what should be a special time and someone is missing. You’re not in a place financially where you can afford much and you feel like you’re letting everyone down around you.
Last-Minute Tips to Ease Christmas Pressure
I have some last-minute tips for this festive period for you:
🎄Take the pressure off. If it makes it easier for you, everyone can wear festive pyjamas on Christmas Day.
🎄If you’ve planned fancy (and complicated!) recipes but it feels too much, scale things back and go for tried and tested crowd pleasers.
🎄You can say no. If it all feels too much, say no, or not today.
🎄Think about what self-care you need. It could be reading a chapter of a book, having a quiet coffee, going for a walk (on your own or with others), but prioritise you.
🎄Practice gratitude. Think about what you’re grateful for and all the good things in your life.
🎄Finally, try and enjoy it. Have the chocolates, the wine, the cheese… Watch Dr Who. Whatever brings you joy, do that.
Happy Christmas!
🥂 I wish you a very happy Christmas and a healthy and enjoyable 2026. And remember, you’ve absolutely got this!