Total Pageviews

Tuesday 13 December 2022

Reduce your Christmas stress, think RUDOLPH!

 

"Each year, it gets bigger, brighter, louder and more extravagant, but for some, Christmas isn't always considered the most wonderful time of the year! In fact, for many, Christmas can cause worry, stress and anxiety, with Samaritans reporting a huge increase in phone calls during the festive period.

In order to reduce your Christmas stress, think RUDOLPH!

Relationships! It's the time of year that brings everybody together, but with family gatherings can come arguments. It is worth accepting that there may be squabbles, whether it's over what to watch on telly or who drank the last of the sherry! Try to avoid causes of conflict. Steer clear of conversations that create tension, like the time Aunt Sally forgot to buy Nan a present in 1992!

Unconditional kindness! Help spread the Christmas cheer; random acts of kindness will not only bring joy to others, but will also make you feel good. Try to be grateful and happy, even if you get naf presents.

Delegate and share! Don't try and do everything yourself! Feeling like you've got 101 jobs to do can be extremely stressful, so give everyone something to do. Remember that sharing is caring, don't eat the whole tub of quality streets to yourself! Share the gift experience; things that you receive may also interest others. Remind the children to "let others have a go". Sharing toys and playing games is a great way of bringing people together.

Organise! Christmas can be a daunting prospect, with endless things to do. Preparation is the key to reducing anxiety. Buy presents and wrap them in advance. To avoid panic on the big day, create a schedule, for example what time family will be arriving and when the food needs to be cooked etc. Structuring the day slightly will help you feel more in control and ease with the overall running of the day! Plan an escape if things get too much, such as taking the dog for a walk. Christmas can be rather overwhelming, so take five minutes to get some fresh air and compose yourself!

Limits! Unlike Father Christmas, there is only so much you can do! It is easy to get carried away, buying too many presents, or, going over the top with the decorations, so it's important to know when to stop. Avoid the temptation to do or buy more, don't take laptops, tablets or other devices that enable you to internet shop, to bed, and make sure to sleep. Create a checklist of things that need to be done, and stick to it. Allow time for yourself to enjoy the day, you shouldn't always be busy!

Perfection! Remember that nobody is perfect and you may not always get it right. Whether the turkey is slightly over done, or you bought the wrong size slippers, it doesn't matter! It's the thought that counts!

Happiness! Have fun, that's what Christmas is all about! Try to put worries to the back of your mind. If it helps, write down the things that are bothering you and deal with them another day. Try to relax and be merry! If you are going to drink, do it wisely, there's no harm in enjoying a mince pie ... !"
Above words from article here

... don't mind if I do!
These low carb mince pies are tasty
see recipe/more details here


Christmas Recipe Suggestions
The Best Low Carb Christmas Pudding Ever …. well probably ! - see details here
Fruit Cake ... A Low Carb Alternative - learn more using this link here


As regular readers know, this blog is presented in a magazine style - we hope something for everyone. You will find a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, photographs, music, cartoons and recipes!

However, not all the recipe ideas featured in this blog may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

30 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

I can vouch for the fact that Christmas is a difficult time for many people. For a variety of reasons. Calls to our Lifeline (similar to your Samaritans) have already escalated. And will continue to do so.
I hope that you and Eddie can find happiness in the season (and indeed all year long).

Tom said...

...in my retirement stress isn't an issue, thankfully.

Carla from The River said...

Hi,
I enjoyed this post. I am remembering Limits this season.
Carla

Chatty Crone said...

I love that and yes I will remember to think RUDOLPH!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Excellent tips!
I admire folks that bake and then freeze the food for the holidays starting in November.

Jenn Jilks said...

It's rather funny. We haven't entertained anyone, other than our kids, in several years. We are happy hermits.
My daughter's MIL is visiting, and that adds to the germ pool.
We might see them the day after Christmas.

Teresa said...

Cierto lo que dices. Espero que todos seamos felices estas navidades. Un abrazo.

William Kendall said...

Wise advice.

I am just trying to get through this time of year.

happyone said...

Good advice. No stress around our house though. Our Christmas is pretty laid back.

My name is Erika. said...

This is great advice. There seems to be so many things that are easy to worry about over the holiday.

J.P. Alexander said...

Gracias por los consejos y las recetas navideñas. Te mando un beso.

Christine said...

Good tips!

linda said...

Great advice.

Jo said...

Some good tips there. Yes, Christmas can be very stressful but it doesn't have to be, we try to just go with the flow.

eileeninmd said...

Great advice, Christmas should be a time of joy not stress.

Take care, enjoy your day!

Jeanie said...

These are great tips, and timely! I love the Rudolph way of remembering them. That's pretty brilliant!

Keep on Rudolph-ing!

Divers and Sundry said...

I've never found Christmas stressful but know people who do. These are helpful reminders for dealing with it.

Pam said...

Oh, how cute that is. Never seen that using Rudolph before. I really don't let stress bother me during the Christmas time.

Mary Kirkland said...

This time of year can be really stressful but I agree with everything here. I have my daughter to help me but some people don't have help and it can get overwhelming.

The Happy Whisk said...

All good ones! Happy Christmas. PS: I had gingerbread tea this week. Not too shabby.

Crafty Green Poet said...

Good advice!

bread&salt said...

Thanks for the post. Thanks for the tips. I like it.

Martha said...

All good stuff! Words of wisdom.

Sondra said...

never a huge fan of the holiday.

Snowbird said...

really sensible advice!xxx

It's me said...

Ho ho ho….❤️🎄❤️🎄❤️🎄❤️

carol l mckenna said...

Lovely holiday photos ~ love Rudolph~ Xo

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

CraveCute said...

Thanks for all the great ideas! I'm catching up on all the posts I've missed. Happy Holidays to all of you!

baili said...

I agree with all you said about stress that bring such big festivals specially to some people who feel unable to celebrate it with same energy for some reason.

Unconditional love is only way to survive through the relationship

Conniecrafter said...

Some very good tips. We will be having a very low key Christmas this year.