Tips for a stress-free Christmas

The festive season, particularly the days when everyone is off work and school, brings out the best and the worst in people. Christmas is a time for giving and receiving and, to make it through with minimum stress, being thoughtful and tolerant of yourself and others.

Here are 5 top tips to get you through to the new year.

1. Establish the goals and collaborate

Goal setting is not just for big projects, it can work for Christmas and other holidays too. The key here is to remember that the goal is a collective one (unless you live on your own and are completely independent). In the workplace teams have goals and work collaboratively to achieve them; outside of work the team is your family, extended family or group of close friends. It’s important to find out what everyone’s ideal festive time would involve – what they really want to do, where they want to be, who they want to spend time with (and not), etc.

Ask: “What would a fantastic Christmas be like for you?”

Of course everyone will have slightly different ideals and the skill is in working collaboratively to find a solution that helps everyone get something. A pitfall is often assuming – because we’ve always done this that’s what everyone still wants. And a difficulty is dealing with the ‘shoulds’ and ‘oughts’ – doing the things you feel are necessary out of duty rather than choice. There may have to be compromises for some ‘team’ members which are balanced out by them getting the chance to do something they want to do on another day or even another occasion.

2. Get organised for Christmas

Planning ahead may not be your usual preference but at times like Christmas it pays dividends. It used to matter more when the shops were closed for several days and if you’d forgotten a crucial ingredient or batteries, you were stuck. Nevertheless, in the run up to the holiday lists can become your best friend – presents, food to buy, timings, things to cook ahead, things to pack for trips, etc.

In the early part of December run down your freezer to give maximum space and give the house a thorough clean and sort out before the decorations go up. Fill any charity bags that come through the door with things you no longer need. Start picking up a few Christmas food items and stock up on store cupboard essentials each time you go to the shops to spread the load on the trolley and the wallet.

3. Delegate

Talk to all those involved in your Christmas celebrations about who can contribute what. Draw on others’ strengths and make sure the workload is shared. In our household, it’s impossible to get my daughter to do any cleaning but give her some cooking tasks and she’s more than enthusiastic. With young children you may benefit from planning to spread the caring responsibilities to give you each time to do other things. It can be a time of learning for them – helping with small baking tasks, decorating, wrapping, crafting, etc.

If you’ve got house guests coming or are throwing a party speak to them about what they can contribute to ease the pressure of preparations and clearing away. It’s far easier and less confrontational to ask in advance rather than when you are ‘wound up’ on the day when you’ve seemingly ended up doing everything.

4. Be present and be tolerant

Do your best to give the gift of your presence to the people you are spending time with – ask questions, listen to them, help the children with their gifts and play family games. Exercise tolerance, patience and restraint when there is a clash of views, values or priorities. Think before you speak and work on the basis that ‘walls have ears’ – having a quiet moan to your partner about one of your guests in another room can easily be overheard.

Avoid the temptation to be sucked back into looking at work emails or spending large amounts of time ‘doing your own thing’ on your phone/ipad/computer/games console. However, do …..

5. Plan in ‘down time’

Particularly if you are a more reflective, introverted character type – you’ll need time on your own or in quiet companionship with another likeminded soul in order to recharge your batteries. If you are staying with others and need to get away, suggest going for a walk (dogs are a great excuse), doing some cooking, washing up or getting agreement that you can sit and read a book while others do something more active.

Remember – a Happy Christmas is not about expensive gifts and perfect turkey – it’s about being grateful for what we have and valuing our loved ones.

Want to get started for the new year – read my article on Goal Setting

________________________________________________________________________

Get in touch to find out more about coaching

If you’re interested in developing your self awareness, communication or management skills, confidence, time management or just getting focus on your goals, do get in touch to discuss. I believe everyone has the potential to improve their performance, motivation and happiness – coaching works because you become accountable to an external person who is a source of encouragement and support – as well as challenging your barriers.

Email Zoë Whitby: zoe@zwcoaching.co.uk

Call on: 07919 201128

Like my Facebook page for regular shares of interesting articles and videos click here

Subscribe to my monthly emailer on ‘Effectiveness at Work’  click here