Tips for a Stress Free Christmas

Not my work but a cut and paste from the Salvation Army Careline Website, I am tipping a few of them could be helpfull! - I think the one about clearing the air with people you have had issues with prior to seeing them on Christmas day is a good idea!
Tips for a stress-free Christmas
Christmas is meant to be fun, but for many it can become a source of anxiety and frustration as financial, emotional and family issues come to the fore. Here are some tips from Salvo Care Line on how to avoid stress this Christmas.
Ideas for buying Christmas presents
make a list before going shopping
make gifts instead of buying them
set a limit on the cost of presents
leave your credit card at home whilst browsing for presents
have each member of the family buy for a different person, rather than everyone buying for everyone
avoid last minute spending Ideas before Christmas Day
try to have a rest day before Christmas
dont expect a "perfect" Christmas Day celebration
organise any parenting issues well before Christmas so children are not subject to any extra stress
try and clear the air with anyone youve had a recent disagreement with before you see them on Christmas Day
be flexible to changing previous years' arrangements if family members want to try an alternative
be mindful of any stressful situations or family issues that might arise
Ideas for Christmas Day
share responsibility for the meal with a number of family members (not just the women!)
if you drink, watch your alcohol intake (and avoid saying something you might regret!)
dont bring up previous quarrels on Christmas Day
dont be too critical if everyone does not behave how you hoped.
a cold lunch may reduce the stress of cooking (and also means that family members are free to come and go as they need to)
try having your main meal in the evening so relatives can also visit others during the day
focus on the positive things about people rather than the negative
visit someone who may be lonely or invite them over to share lunch with you
visit a church and contemplate the real meaning of Christmas
Salvo Care Line is The Salvation Army's 24-hour telephone counselling service. If you need to talk, call 1300 36 36 22.
http://salvos.org.au/christmas/helpful- ... istmas.php
Tips for a stress-free Christmas
Christmas is meant to be fun, but for many it can become a source of anxiety and frustration as financial, emotional and family issues come to the fore. Here are some tips from Salvo Care Line on how to avoid stress this Christmas.
Ideas for buying Christmas presents
make a list before going shopping
make gifts instead of buying them
set a limit on the cost of presents
leave your credit card at home whilst browsing for presents
have each member of the family buy for a different person, rather than everyone buying for everyone
avoid last minute spending Ideas before Christmas Day
try to have a rest day before Christmas
dont expect a "perfect" Christmas Day celebration
organise any parenting issues well before Christmas so children are not subject to any extra stress
try and clear the air with anyone youve had a recent disagreement with before you see them on Christmas Day
be flexible to changing previous years' arrangements if family members want to try an alternative
be mindful of any stressful situations or family issues that might arise
Ideas for Christmas Day
share responsibility for the meal with a number of family members (not just the women!)
if you drink, watch your alcohol intake (and avoid saying something you might regret!)
dont bring up previous quarrels on Christmas Day
dont be too critical if everyone does not behave how you hoped.
a cold lunch may reduce the stress of cooking (and also means that family members are free to come and go as they need to)
try having your main meal in the evening so relatives can also visit others during the day
focus on the positive things about people rather than the negative
visit someone who may be lonely or invite them over to share lunch with you
visit a church and contemplate the real meaning of Christmas
Salvo Care Line is The Salvation Army's 24-hour telephone counselling service. If you need to talk, call 1300 36 36 22.
http://salvos.org.au/christmas/helpful- ... istmas.php