What’s that, I hear you ask? A STRESS-FREE Christmas? What is this sorcery she speaks of?!
It’s true… there IS such a thing as a stress-free Christmas! And when I say Christmas, I mean the few days beforehand and Christmas Day itself (“the holidays” I guess, as my US friends would call it). If you’re having a panic right now, I may not be able to help you with everything (for example if you haven’t started Christmas shopping by now then you might be a lost cause, lol), but I can throw a few ideas into the mix that may help ease the stress which ESPECIALLY happens on the big day itself.
Whilst Christmases with my family are usually super-happy, hilarious affairs, there are always things that we’ve looked back on and thought, Oh gawd I wish we’d done x instead of y and not let z happen.
Here are my top three tips to ensure you have a super happy, stress-free Christmas – no one needs to miss out on the fun…!
1. Wrap presents as you buy them
I only just started doing this this year, and I don’t know why I didn’t do it before. I tend to do my Christmas shopping throughout the year (more so in the second half because the majority of my family have birthdays in the spring and early summer), and up to now I’ve ALWAYS left my wrapping till a few days before Christmas – or even late on Christmas Eve, aaargh! It’s almost as if my brain is telling me You can’t be THAT organised, woman!! If you’ve bought all your presents early you now have to suffer and wrap them on Christmas Eve! Why should you be relaxing in the days before Christmas when everyone else is last minute panic-buying?!
But this year I had the brilliant idea to wrap each present as I bought it. (I’m pretty sure many of you are reading this and thinking, Er yeah – why WOULDN’T you do that? Doesn’t everyone shop and wrap??) And oh boy, it’s made it so much easier for me. No Christmas Eve panic and emergency trips to the nearest still-open local Spar because I didn’t have enough wrapping paper.
No, this year presents are all present (wrapped) and correct. I’m Smuggy McSmuggins with my feet up and a glass of sherry this year.
2. Plan in advance who does what on Christmas Day
This, for me, is the most important thing to get sorted in advance. My best tip for making sure there are no arguments, cross words spoken or stressed-out hosts (or guests!) is to ensure everyone knows what their role is on the day and who is responsible for what. Treat it like a military operation and avoid the conflict altogether.
There’s nothing worse than arguing over whose job it was to buy cranberry sauce or brandy butter. Or who’s doing the washing up (or not doing the washing up). Or who’s left all the wrapping paper in a big mess in the corner of the living room. Divide jobs up between everyone who is coming on the day and make sure they all know EXACTLY what jobs they, and everyone else, are doing and responsible for. Getting everyone to agree to the jobs in advance makes life so much easier as they then can’t moan about it on the day.
And just as important: make sure they know what they are NOT doing! The hosts [often AKA Mum and Dad] shouldn’t be doing ALL the prepping and ALL the cooking and ALL the clearing up. There should be at least one of those things they’re exempt from – and if, like me, you still go to your parents for Christmas then they need to understand that they shouldn’t be doing absolutely everything.
(Though if your parents are anything like mine, good luck trying to make them understand they won’t be doing one particular aspect of Christmas Day and that it’s obligatory they sit down at some point…!)
Examples of jobs that can be split up:
- Everyone coming to dinner can bring pre-prepped or part-cooked veggies in ready-to-serve dishes.
- Decide in advance exactly what time presents will be exchanged so everyone is dressed and ready (unless you do Pyjama Day Christmasses of course – but stick to the agreed time).
- Younger children can collect cardboard, wrapping paper and plastic after presents have been opened (teaches them good habits about recycling too).
- One or two people can be designated to lay the table.
- One person can be in charge of getting drinks (tipples), and someone else can be in charge of making teas and coffees.
- Split the family into two groups: one group does all the cooking and prepping, the other does the clearing away and washing up/loading the dishwasher, etc. Everyone gets a rest this way!
3. Bite your tongue to avoid conflict
Nothing spoils a Christmas more than squabbles or petty arguments, though they’re hard to avoid in a boiling hot, busy kitchen or when kids have gifts (or each other) to play with and fight over. Christmas isn’t the time for doing that “Well I’m just being honest” thing (I can’t bear that type of thinking at the best of times!), so if someone is really getting on your nerves I always think it’s best to bit your tongue if at all possible. Or at least THINK before you speak. Granted, depending on the circumstances, it ISN’T always possible, but my thinking is: Was their behaviour/what they said REALLY that bad? Can it be put down to the stress of the day? Could that be said another day – and/or in private?
Unless you can sort things out straight away then don’t bring it up at all. Nothing harbours bad feelings in a family more than a grudge that has gone on too long. Unless it’s behaviour that repeats itself it’s best to put it down to the stress of the day and not bring it up again. Family conflicts that are borne out of pretty much nothing are not worth holding onto forever: I know how it can destroy relationships and potentially destroy a family…!
As I already mentioned – think, WAS it really that bad? Is the memory of a bad Christmas (something that can be applied to ANY family gathering to be honest) worth those petty squabbles…?
So with that – this is my last post till after Christmas (I’ll be back on Thursday 27th)… have yourself a VERY Merry Christmas – and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do! 😉
WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR A STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS THAT YOU WANT TO SHARE? TELL US IN THE COMMENTS!
P.S. You’ll notice that the link up is a day later… I’m spreading my posts out a little as I won’t be posting for a week (it’s nice to have a bit of a break from posting)! This is how the posts and link ups will look over Christmas and New Year:
Tuesday 25 December – no post
Wednesday 26 December – no post
Thursday 27 December – The #iwillwearwhatilike link up (outfit post)
Friday 28 December – My year in review, the final quarter (no #ShareAllLinkUp)
Sunday 30 December – The Best of the Blogosphere, December
Tuesday 1 January – Annual bloopers and outtakes post
Wednesday 2 January – The #iwillwearwhatilike link up (outfit post)
Friday 4 January – My greatest photographic moments of 2018 + #ShareAllLinkUp
So everything is jiggled and reshuffled a little because of Christmas holidays, annual posts like the bloopers, and outtakes, etc. Normal service will resume from w/c Monday 7 January!
So all that’s left to say is – I’ve shared my thoughts/stories/tuppence-worth this week, now it’s time to share yours… LET’S GET THIS [LINK UP] PARTY STARTED!
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I try not to let people stress me during this time of year. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.
Author
Patrick good for you!! Hope you had a fabulous Xmas x
Avoiding conflict….??
My top tip is Champagne for breakfast.
That means my day has a warm fuzz about it and everyone is much less annoying/badly behaved.
I’m not a big drinker at all so one glass of champers sets me up until lunchtime.
After that, it’s a bunfight until bedtime!!! :oP
XXX
Author
I ALWAYS mean to have champers for breakfast but we always forget!! Good way to stay chilled till lunch, Samantha 😉
Sounds like everything is sorted at your place! I do tend to buy throughout the year, although I’d probably forget what I’d bought if I wrapped straight away – maybe I’d need to keep a list…
We’re getting there! Presents are wrapped, food prep is underway, even the napkins are folded and ready to go! In Denmark the big celebration is Christmas Eve in the evening, so tomorrow will be a busy day. Last minute cleaning, table laying, turkey cooking. And then after the meal come the presents, it’s traditional to dance and sing carols around the Christmas tree – but my OH is seriously allergic to that (probably because all the neighbourhood cats would join in if he started to sing!), so we put Christmas music and enjoy other people’s on key singing!
Author
I have to admit I do keep a list of what I get everyone… more to remind me not to get them the same thing the following year!!
Such a great post, Catherine! I have managed to stay nearly stress free this year as we have kept all things to a minimum. And once we decided we would be staying home and celebrating Christmas with our friends across the street, most of the stress was relieved! Holiday travel as a military family living far from loved ones usually causes tons of stress and arguments. Granted arguments were caused when we told our family we would not be coming home for Christmas, but we just ignore them all and go about on our merry way! Hahaha. I only just finished shopping yesterday (the 22nd) and now I have no idea when I am going to wrap them…wrap as you buy is a wonderful suggestion that I must keep in mind for next year! Wishing you a very merry Christmas, may it be filled with joy and blessings!
Shelbee
Author
I think keeping things to a minimum is a BIG factor in staying stress-free Shelbee, so good for you! The wrapping as you go thing is a great idea, I promise you it’ll make a huge difference! Happy xmas to you too x
Hi Catherine…..I need to follow your lead next year and wrap as I buy…..it makes total sense!! I am often found frant8cally wrapping gifts just before people arrive Wishing you and your family a magical Christmas xx
Author
It does, doesn’t it Kareema?!! You’ll be so glad you did it, I promise x
Hi Catherine.
In Switzerland, people tend to over organise and are very much focussed on getting it “right”. It brings lots of positive things into the country, but for my Swiss friends a lot of stress for the Xmas period too, so I’ve noticed over the years. Maybe I should send them a link to your blogpost…
In my family we always organise the “who brings what” and the rest kind of unfolds itself (the ones having spent most time on shopping and cooking will not do the washing up for example) and with kids having become teens, more and more gets done by them too. I absolutely love that. For me, sharing is part of Xmas and that involves more than sharing presents: sharing fun and tasks is equally important! Wishing you a merry Xmas with your loved ones!
Love, Lieske
Author
Ahhh there’s being organised and then there’s trying to make everything perfect, Lieske – I don’t think you can do both!! And I agree that sharing tasks is important (more so to keep the hosts sane!) xx
You better watch out Catherine, your readers will want you to adjudicate their Christmas day! With so many sensible suggestions you’re a real life Nancy McPhee
Author
Haha doesn’t mean they all get put into practice though MT – things still go wrong 😉
Hi Catherine,
I have to say I never get stressed at Christmas, its just one day and when we can, we all have Christmas dinner booked in advance, usually at a nice hotel. As for gifts we keep them small and spend the money on days out together and weekends away, my son loves this and so we will continue our tradition, it all adds up to a stress free Christmas because life is too short to worry about stuff like this….
Wishing you a very merry one and hope to see you in the new year!
Love to Riley and Keith xxxx
Ashley xx
Author
So glad yours is usually stress-free Ashley! Ours is usually an 18 people-strong affair so it’s no wonder tensions run high…!! Glad to report it WAS stress-free this year though 😀
Looking forward to seeing you too my lovely xx
Love the tips! My family is quite organized in terms of the dinner/party itself (#2 – check!) but I will have to think about #1 for next year since everything is currently unwrapped and I’m not 100% sure we have enough tape or wrapping paper!! #3 is something great to keep in mind. Have a Merry Christmas!
Author
Thanks Suchot – seems the wrapping thing hasn’t occurred to many other people either so I’m glad it’s helped! Hope you had a wonderful day x
Great post Catherine!! Love your tips. It’s a great idea to get children to sort the wrappings, and everyone to have a role so that the hosts get a rest. Hope you all have a fabulous Christmas xxx
Author
They often end up playing with the wrapping though Tracy, so be warned!! 😉 Thank you sweetie, hope you had a fabulous time x
Hah…we were just talking about agreeing to get along during the holidays!! It’s funny because on my birthday, we came up with the motto “no grumpiness”…and that would be perfect for Christmas too!!
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Author
It WOULD be a perfect thing to stick to, Jodie!!
Great post Catherine…I just ran to the fridge to check the presence of cranberry sauce Happy Christmas to you and yours babe ❤️ Sarah aka badassbabyboomer
Author
Haha I hope it was there, Sarah!! Happy xmas, hope you had a good one x
Have a wonderful Christmas Catherine. Stress-free! xx
Author
Hehe I hope so Laurie! Thank you, and you too x
What!!? People wrap before Christmas eve !? Why haven’t I done that before? Another tip would be to write a list of bought, returned, reordered etc – and stuff all receipts in an envelop. Merry Christmas lovely to you and yours xx Maria
https://www.passionfruitpawsandpeonies.com
Author
Seems so logical to wrap on the go, doesn’t it Maria 😉
I like your receipts idea!! Merry Xmas to you too my lovely x
These are all great tips. Mine is to surrender control and go with the flow, which is easier said than done! Merry Christmas to you—hope it’s a stress-free one!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Author
I tend to do that when all else fails, Cheryl…! 😉 Happy Christmas to you xx
For the first year I’ve wrapped as I’ve bought and it’s made a huge difference!! Great advice Catherine, I hope your Christmas runs smoothly. I’m so excited now that I’ve done my big shop, and with a baby due on 3rd Jan it might be a very eventful Christmas or new year! Have a lovely Christmas and happy new year. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Ughhh it’s a game changer, isn’t Jacqui?!!! Hope you have a WONDERFUL Christmas… baby is expected on my wedding anniversary so that’s a good date 😀
Merry Xmas to you and yours xo
Glad to hear you too enjoy a glass of sherry while being Smuggy McSmuggins! Wrap as you go sounds a good idea. Too late for this year, aargh (seriously, it is done, a few days ago). Happy Christmas!
Author
Well at least it’s done, Gail!! Happy Xmas to you too x
Quite genius Catherine. I’ve never thought of wrapping as I buy. I’m a do it in a rush in a binge. I’ve screenshot your on the day task allocation. Thank you . Wishing you a happy Christmas season in your new home.
https://www.muttonstyle.com
Author
I’m glad I’m not the only one who always binge wraps, Anna! 😉 Glad you liked the task allocation, I think it makes a big difference…! Happy Xmas to you too x
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Catherine. Thanks for all the great link-ups, the fashion inspiration, and the wonderful blogger advice over the year.
Author
Oh Sue thank you coming along for the ride and for your support!! Merry Christmas to you too x
I have all my presents wrapped up!
I am not spending Christmas at home so I do not have to organize!
And I already bite my tongue!
Have a fabulous Christmas Catherine!
Author
Nancy it’s YOU that’s organised one with all your presents wrapped then, hehe 😉
Wishing you a fabulous Christmas too x