Surviving December...

by Suzie Booth, Counsellor/Psychotherapist (MSc. MBACP).

As 1st December approaches, 2 things happen for me… intense excitement! And intense OVERWHELM. I wouldn’t even describe it as stress, it is absolute overwhelm. The to-do list of December is out of this world and even when things get ticked off it still goes round and round in our heads: have I remembered everything, should I be doing more, will they like it, is it good enough?

Each year I see expectations go up and up; the amount of things we can have, see and do expands and so we expect ourselves and our resources, capabilities and finances to expand with it. But guess what, this is not sustainable. It’s not doable. I also see every year, the amount of people saying they were unwell at Christmas go up and up. And why? Because we arrive at the 25th absolutely burnout and run-down.

So, what can we do about this?

1. Manage expectations - we cannot do everything. And I mean this in 2 regards: we need help and we can’t have it all. Please remember the art of delegation. And please remember that the magic of Christmas isn’t about the amount of stuff (be that gifts, food or events). It is about time together. If we are stressed, tired, burnt out and unwell we can’t truly ‘be’ there. So, manage down those expectations. Please look at your diaries and swap out one planned event for a ‘chill’ day instead.

2. Set boundaries and say no – you can’t see everyone in this single month. Say no or rearrange for January.

3. Create some magic for you – we are all still children at heart. What does your inner child want this Christmas? It might be watching a certain Christmas movie (the original Santa Claus is so special to me!) Or it might be a certain tradition you used to have. Whatever creates magic for you, create some time for it.

4. Look after yourself – Christmas food is great isn’t it! But it’s not so great for us. That doesn’t mean not having it, but be mindful of what your body needs. To fight off illness we need fruit and veg. To reduce stress levels and stabilise our nervous systems we need to limit sugar or be mindful about when/how we consume it. Just make an effort to look after yourself alongside everything else.

It will all get done.

It will all be ok.

It doesn’t matter if it’s not perfect.

This is your Christmas too.

Good luck out there!

Pssst... next week we will look at surviving Christmas as a couple!