Top 5 tips for surviving Christmas
Christmas is fast approaching and although it can be a time of joy, eating, drinking and being merry. For many of us in reality Christmas can be a testing time. In these modern-day times with social media and the lovely Christmas adverts. Yes, they are lovely and create the perfect scenario for Christmas. However, THIS IS NOT REALITY!
So, here are my top 5 tips to survive the festive season. While reading these please bear in mind that Christmas is only ONE day out of 365.
- Expectations
Whether this be the Pressure to feel happy, having your house decorated in a certain way to keep up with the jones’s or the pressure of preparing food. In reality no-one cares If your house is decorated to the nine’s or your gravy is a bit runny. Chances are no-one will notice anyway and if you feel that the hassle this involved isn’t for you well quite frankly, I don’t blame you. The most important thing is your comfort. - Buying gifts
Let’s face it money does not grow on trees. Christmas is about sharing time together. Try giving a gift of time this could include an offer of babysitting or simply helping a friend paint their lounge. If time is in short supply perhaps just showing someone you have considered them and what they like can mean far more than buying them an expensive gift. This could include their favorite chocolate bar, a special photo in a frame or something small like a keyring that relates to their favorite things. If you think about it would you prefer a gift that cost a pound but means something to you or something that cost £100 that is of no use to you anyway? - Surviving difficult family members
Remember this is only a temporary situation, perhaps limit the amount of time spend with these people over Christmas. Yes, be polite but concentrate on you and the people that mean the most to you. If all else fails kill them with kindness. Remember that you don’t have to be in the same room as them for the duration of the visit, take time out, even if this is locking yourself in the bathroom to ring a friend for a good moan. - Socializing and events
YOU DON’T HAVE TO ATTEND EVEERY FUNCTION THAT YOU ARE INVITED TO. You are in charge of your life and how you spend your time. No one who values you will think any less of you if you don’t go to every event, even if the reason is that you just don’t feel in the mood or that you already have plans with a film, PJs and a hot chocolate. You don’t have to explain your reasoning to anyone. - Feeling lonely
Christmas can be a lonely time even if you are surrounded by people or you are on your own. If you are not with people who are supportive then it can feel very isolating. Try going out for a walk, to your local café or to a coffee morning chances are you will come across people that feel the same way as you do, a simple hello can start a conversation that could start a friendship that lasts a lifetime. If this is too much of a big step just go and get used to being around people, take it slow. You could get in touch with your local religious centre or homeless shelter and see if there is the option to volunteer or becoming a befriender though services such as Elefriends or local minds. Giving back to the community and putting smiles of others peoples faces can also make you feel great and give you the opportunity to meet people at the same time. It’s a win-win!
It can also be a time that the family members and friends who are no longer with us are at the forefront of our minds and that is ok. There is no time limit on the grieving process and no right or wrong way to grieve whether this be raising a glass of their favorite tipple of lighting a candle. However, concentrating on the good times you shared means your brain will release serotonin helping you to have a more positive outlook.
A final word…..
I’m no jerry springer however, Christmas should be enjoyable and if it hasn’t been in the past do something about it – try something different. Just look after yourself as your number one priority as selfish as it sounds its actually the most selfless thing to do. If you are happy and relaxed it helps everyone around you to be too.
Merry Christmas from Rain2rainbow Hypnotherapy.
www.rain2rainbow.co.uk