The festive season is here, and while it’s a time for joy and togetherness, it can also bring stress and overwhelm to many. Understandable! With so much to organise and a very full social calendar, it’s commendable that many of us get through the season fully intact! To help you truly enjoy the season, here are five practical ways to stay merry this Christmas.
Let go of expectations
We all envision the perfect holiday with the flawless meal, perfectly wrapped gifts, and everyone getting along. The truth? Perfection doesn’t exist, and that’s okay. Things can and will go wrong, so the best thing you can be is open and adaptable, not perfect.
Instead of focusing on what Christmas “should” look like, focus on connection. Be clear about what you can give and what you expect in return. A great tool is understanding the Five Love Languages. We often express love in ways that resonate with us, not necessarily with our loved ones. This season, ask how the people in your life feel most appreciated, and share your needs too. A little clarity and communication can go a long way toward smoother and happier holidays.
Ask for help
Yes, you’re a superhero, but even superheroes have sidekicks.
Whether you’ve been tasked with cooking, decorating the house, or organising a myriad of social events, you don’t have to do it all alone. Delegate tasks and accept help when it’s offered; remember that people wouldn’t offer help if they weren’t willing to give it. And remember, there’s a difference between being right and getting it right. Sometimes, it’s better to let go of control and prioritise harmony. After all, a peaceful gathering is more memorable than a perfect one.
Don’t work until you drop
Burnout isn’t festive. Pace yourself when it comes to your workload both in and out of your typical workplace, because the responsibilities outside of work can catch up to us just as easily.
We all know that Christmas comes with pressures (both fun and not fun) like social events, endless to-do lists, and societal expectations. Protect your energy by taking breaks when you need them, keeping up with exercise (even short walks help), and eating and drinking mindfully; stop when you’re full and try to reframe guilty thoughts and feelings around food. Remember, you have the power to say no to alcohol or commitments that don’t align with your wellbeing.
It’s okay to pause. The world won’t stop spinning, and the tasks can wait until 2025.
Stay mindful
Joy is often found in the little things like a house decked out in Christmas lights, a shared moment of laughter around a meal, or the smell of gingerbread baking in the oven. Mindfulness is about being fully present without judgement of yourself and others.
Let yourself experience both the highs and lows of the season without guilt. Even the not-so-great feelings have value so don’t avoid them. Rather, learn how to acknowledge and feel them, knowing you have the ability to return to a neutral state. Staying present can help you savor the magic around you, even when things don’t go as planned.
Listen to yourself
This season, tune in to what you need.
If your body says rest, rest.
If your budget says stop, stop.
If your heart says spend time, not money, follow that.
It’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of giving, but we don’t need more stuff. What we really need is time, love, and connection. Your friends and family members might find some temporary joy and appreciation if you buy them a super expensive gift, but they will experience a deeper connection with you if you share special moments with real purpose behind them. Honour your limits, and don’t push yourself emotionally, financially, or physically.
Christmas is about joy, connection, and gratitude, not about meeting unrealistic expectations or exhausting yourself. By letting go of perfection, asking for help, protecting your energy, staying mindful, and honouring your own needs, you’ll create a holiday season that’s meaningful and truly merry.
This Christmas, give yourself the gift of presence, both for others and, most importantly, for yourself.
