Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to create a "perfect" Christmas? Discover how to simplify expectations, reduce stress, and embrace an awesome holiday season with these 6 powerful steps.

​1. Awareness.Take 10-20 minutes and connect with what you feel and what you think about all these expectations that you have created or bought into. What are the thoughts and feelings that come up when you think about Christmas? Find something to write in and listen to what you are saying to yourself. It may look something like this“I’m feeling guilty because I don’t want to make my pudding this year, but I know everyone loves it and I should”.I’m feeling sad. I keep thinking how much I miss my mum and wish she was here’I’m feeling overwhelmed. There’s so much to do and I don’t know where I’m going to fit it in.I’m feeling angry. I don’t want to go to x/s house on Christmas Day. We always do and it’s not fair. I want to stay at y own home all day and let the kids play."I'm feeling confused. I don't know how to keep everyone from not fighting on Christmas Day and I just wish it was all over."I don't know where to start”.

Note:: If getting in touch with your feelings is difficult there can be a few reasons why that is happening.  You can come back to exploring your feelings in the future either with your GP, or mental health therapist, or if this is something you would like help with you are welcome to contact me for an appointment.

2. Reflection.Once you’ve named and acknowledged your thoughts and feelings it’s time to reflect on what they might be trying to tell you about what is important to you at Christmas. 

Here are some simple guiding reflection questions.What are your best memories of Christmas's past?What would you have liked to have done last year that you didn’t get to do? What got in the way of that happening?Is there something different/special coming up this year that you are looking forward to?What was stressful?What would you like to change?What is the most important thing about the Christmas season for you? Include everything in the lead up to Christmas Day and the days after?

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How to Make This Christmas Simply Awesome

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