I cannot believe that it's this time of year again. I know everyone has been saying it and I might well have said it every time I've written a festive blog post for the first time each year, but I actually am flabbergasted at how quick the entire year has gone, and whatta year! Hopefully, we'll all be able to see our families this time around, which I'm really looking forward to, especially as we've just bought our first home. It'll be wonderful to spend the festive period together under the same roof - it's been a long time coming.
But what with the added pressure of having friends and family around this year, it can be easy to go down a rabbit hole of stress and pressure as we look to make everything as perfect as possible for the ones we love. So I thought I'd share three things I do around the Christmas season that help to ease the pressure and relieve some of that stress, I hope they work for you too!
Buy things in dribs & drabs
I started my Christmas shopping quite a few months ago, but I'm aware that when this blog post goes live, you won't have months left to spare. But with the big day still a number of weeks away, you'll still have time to buy bits and bobs sporadically as opposed all in one go. We did that one year and not only was it expensive, but it was also a stressful experience as everyone else was doing the same thing - stocking up for Christmas.
When it comes to food shopping, I've been adding bits and pieces to my weekly shop that we're saving for Christmas. The first food item I bought was back in October and it was a box of humble mince pies from Sainsbury's and as tempted as I am to crack a box open right now, I'm going to refrain until at least a week or ten days before Christmas Day. Spreading the shopping out over a number of weeks will really help to keep the pressure off, allowing you more time to chill out and watch some festive movies.
Wrap presents in good time
Whether you're already done and dusted with your Christmas shopping or not, wrapping them way ahead of the big day will help to relieve some stress felt during the busy festive period. As soon as I buy my gifts, I wrap them and decorate them ready for dropping off and giving out closer to the time.
It just means I can enjoy the few days on the run up to Christmas Day as opposed to running around like a headless chicken trying to get presents wrapped. I like to take my time with them as I think the wrapping is just as important as the thought that's gone behind the gift.
Take time out to relax
This is one of the most important things to factor in when it comes to the festive period. Once you've done a few of the jobs on your to-do list, give yourself a rest. Make a hot chocolate, wrap yourself up in a blanket and stick a good Christmassy film on. My go-to festive film right now is Home Alone, either the first or second one, it doesn't really matter to me, haha. I find them to be hilarious but it also makes me feel warm and cosy.
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I hope you enjoyed this blog post. Let me know in the comments how you like to prevent festive burnout during the Christmas period and I'll see you again very soon with a brand new, festive blog post for you :) Merry Christmas, everyone!
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