I love Christmas, from the decorating to the festive food and catching up with family and friends to opening presents on Christmas Day, it is one of my favourite times of year. But it can be stressful getting organised for Christmas & New Year. Here are my top tips to take the stress out of Christmas.

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Tips To Take The Stress Out Of Christmas

#1. Planning Is Key to Keep Christmas Stress Free

I usually start my Christmas planning early by making lists of what I need to buy and do and breaking it down into weeks. The tasks seem less overwhelming when they are broken down in bite-sized chunks!

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#2. Food Glorious Food

From planned parties to unexpected guests, to the main meal on Christmas Day & New Years Day, food plays an important part in the Christmas ritual, and can cause huge stress to those in charge of getting it right!

Plan your menu as soon as you can for Christmas dinner and for any parties you are arranging for over the festive season and order everything early and online.

Make sure to add in extras that can be frozen and whipped out for unexpected guests. From canapés to desserts your freezer should be full of tempting treats!

#3. Wrap As You Go

I am usually at the kitchen table well past midnight on Christmas Eve wrapping presents! But this year I have promised myself that I will stock up early on wrapping paper and wrap gifts as I buy them. That is the plan for now anyway!

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#4. Ask For Help This Festive Season

If you are the one hosting Christmas dinner or New Years Day dinner, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Assign a dish to everyone so you are not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying catching up. It really will help to keep the day stress free and give you more time to enjoy the day too.

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#5. Take Time Out

It is wonderful to spend time catching up with loved ones over the holiday season but do build in some time out, either on your own, with your partner or with your own family.

You don’t have to be on the go all of the time and you will feel much more relaxed if you take time out for a pyjama day, a walk, a meal together or a Christmas movie with the family.

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#6. Keep It Simple

From decorating (have a colour scheme), to presents (buy as you see them), to party food (order online ready-made if possible!), try to keep it simple this year.

Focus on what is most important and complete those essential tasks. Avoid getting caught up in creating a veritable Winter Wonderland, because we guarantee you’ll only end up stressed and annoyed that you didn’t get everything done! Simplicity really is the key to taking the stress out of Christmas!

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#7. It’s Okay To Say No!

You don’t have to say ‘yes’ to every Christmas party, outing, night out and gift exchange. It’s okay to say ‘no’ in order to save some time, sanity and money. Instead, choose one or two fun social events and then keep your calendar free for family occasions and getting together with close friends. It will make for a much less stressed Christmas season.

#8. Remember To Have Fun!

Between the food orders, present wrapping, party going and to do lists, be sure to stop and enjoy the holiday season and have some fun. Catch up with those you love, enjoy long walks on frosty days with the kids, make snow angels, build a snowman or go sledging (if we get snow!).

Ask everyone in the family for one suggestion of something they would like to do over the holiday season and try and make it happen. From ice skating to visiting Santa to watching a Christmas movie together or playing a board game, the only proviso is, it has to be fun!

I hope these suggestions help to take the stress out of Christmas for you. If you have any more suggestions, please share them with us below.