Its All About Christmas

Christmas is a season of high expectations.  Newspapers, magazines and TV adverts are full of images of the perfect Christmas.  We’re given the impression that if we buy this turkey, make that stuffing and give these presents then we too can be like the people portrayed in the photographs.  This only exists in fiction; however it still puts us under pressure to excel. 

 The key to managing any kind of stress is self awareness.  When you notice the anxiety building up then you can do something about it.  The first step in coping with Christmas shopping stress is to get it in perspective.  Ask yourself – if I don’t get that hand fed, organic, free range bronze turkey what’s the worst thing that can happen?  Will my family starve?  Will I lose a limb?  Is it life or death?  When you realise that it’s just a case of succumbing to media hype then you can get a grip on your feelings.

 If you really want to avoid the stress of Christmas shopping then don’t do any.  Many people have become disillusioned with the over commercialisation of Christmas.  This has led to a growth in charitable giving at Christmas.  Three years ago we opted to only buy presents for the children in the family and we give the money that would have been spent on the adults to help a small local charity.  Our relatives were happy to respect this and they make donations, to various charities, of the money they’d have spent on us.

 Lots of us love to receive something that’s been hand made so make the most of your creativity.  Instead of giving granddad another pair of socks consider a collage of family photos that will remind him of happy family occasions.  If baking is your forte what could be nicer than some home made mince pies?

 You may enjoy choosing and giving gifts but hate the crush in the shops and queues at the tills then on line and mail order shopping are great alternatives to trudging through cold damp city streets.  So many big stores have websites these days that you can shop in your favourite one from the comfort of your own home.

 Plan your gift giving.  Make a list of everyone you want to give a present to, allocate a sum of money, think about what that individual would really want and shop with something specific in mind.  You could ask friends and family to give you a wish list of 3 – 4 items from which you can choose them one item.  That way it will be a nice surprise rather than a horrible shock.

Secret Santa can be a fun alternative to buying something for everyone and in the current economic climate will keep it affordable.  Often people prefer one really nice present to lots of little things.  Alternatively, if you belong to a family that likes lots of little presents to open why not set a challenge, e.g. how many presents can you get for £5 a head?

 For those difficult to please young people book tokens and gift vouchers are usually gratefully received, and can be hoarded until the sales where the recipients can get even more for your money.  My son loves to see how many bargains he can get with vouchers or money in January.

 One friend of mine focuses her gift giving on birthdays and at Christmas all her adult friends get a really beautiful Christmas card containing a Lotto scratch card.  It’s thoughtful, fun and could pay out a significant amount.

 I think the best piece of advice I was ever given about Christmas shopping was “Don’t take your husband”.  And for men – shop before Christmas Eve!

To avoid the heaving high street pick times of the day that aren’t so busy.  Now that many shops open late in the evening it’s easier to find a quieter time outside the 9 – 5 rush.

 Have a tea break – a study carried out by university College London in 2006 discovered that black tea can lower the levels of the stress hormones in your body.  If you prefer coffee then stick to de-caffeinated as caffeine can mimic stress symptoms and increase anxiety.  When you take a break use the opportunity to breathe properly – in for 7 and out for 11 will help you to unwind because it’s the breathing out that actually relaxes the muscles.  Eating something with slow release carbohydrates will help you to keep you fuelled as you shop.

 I suggest wrapping your gifts as you go along rather than leaving it until the last minute.  If the thought of gift wrap breaks you out in a cold sweat you can get gift bags now in almost every size and shape imaginable.  Some shops and internet outlets will wrap them for you although this will normally incur a small charge.

 And finally – next year start your Christmas shopping in the January sales!