'Tis the stressful season

Are you feeling the stress of the run up to Christmas?  Is your list of things to accomplish before the big day growing beyond comprehension?  This time of year rates up there as one of the most stressful in the year. 

In this article we pass on some useful tips and tricks to help make the holidays a little easier on the our nerves, bank account and family. 

Isn't Christmas supposed to be a joyful occasion? A time of joyful family reunions, gift giving and glorious food!

While this is certainly the ideal, often our expectations of the festive period far exceed the reality.  Here are some helpful hints to help bring a little more ease into our lives in the run up to Christmas.

Gift Giving
If you have a large circle of extended family or friends to buy gifts for, it can be very costly. You might be able to reduce the stress and cost of Christmas for everyone if you suggest a change in the way your family and friends give presents. For example, you could suggest that your group:

• Buy presents only for the children.
• Have a Kris Kringle, where everyone draws a name out of a hat and buys a present only for that person.
• Set a limit on the cost of presents.

Christmas shopping
If you are one of the very few who look forward to and plan their Christmas shopping then congratulations… you are one of the lucky few. Most of us find Christmas shopping a difficult and onerous tasks. Here is a quick guide to making things a little simpler.

• It is a good idea to make a list of all the people you have to buy for and several suggestions of what you may buy for them.  This way if you can’t find one thing you may find an alternative you have already thought about.
• Buy a few extra present, like a Moon Haven Soap’n’Dish or two,  just in case you forget somebody or have the unexpected guest.
• If possible, do your Christmas shopping early - in the first week of December or even in November.
• Select your gifts over the Internet. At Moon Haven we specialise in helping people find gifts for everyone from difficult Aunt Agatha who already has everything to Roger the cleaner who you would like to show you appreciation for a year of effort.

The Christmas Meal
Stress reduction strategies include:

• If you are having dinner ‘at home’ catering for a large gathering, delegate the cooking and tasks- you don’t have to do it all!
• Consider having a smorgasbord or seafood meal where everyone contributes- rather than a large sit down meal.
• Consider using disposable cups, plates and cutlery. (Choose environmentally responsible products if possible).
• Buy as many non-perishable food items as you can in advance - supermarkets on Christmas Eve are generally extremely busy.
• You may need to order particular food items (such as hams) from your supermarket by a certain date. Check to avoid disappointment.
• Book well in advance if you plan to have lunch at a restaurant. Some restaurants may be fully booked for months before Christmas, so don't wait until the last minute.

Relationships
Stress, anxiety and depression are common during the festive season. If nothing else, reassure yourself that these feelings are normal. Stress reduction strategies include:

• Don't expect miracles. If you and certain family members bicker all year long, you can be sure there'll be tension at Christmas lunch.
• Avoid known triggers. For example, if politics is a touchy subject in your family, don't talk about it. If someone brings up the topic, use distraction and quickly move onto something else to talk about.
• Use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or focusing on your breath, to cope with anxiety or tension.
• Family members involved in after-lunch activities (such as cricket on the back lawn) are less likely to get into arguments. Plan for something to do as a group after lunch if necessary.
• Limit the amount of alcohol at the Christmas meal – alcohol reduces the inhibitions and excessive has fuelled many a Christmas feud!

General health and wellbeing
Some other ways to keep your stress levels down include:

•  Keep up the exercise and try to take time out to rest through out the period.Burn Moon Haven Stress Less Essential Oil Blend daily or use our Uplift or Relax Pulse Point Potion when you feel the need.
• Try to be moderate - it may be the season to be jolly, but too much food and alcohol is harmful, and drink driving is a real danger and illegal. If you can't (or don't want to) step off the social merry-go-round, at least try to eat and drink in moderation.
• Get enough sleep - plan for as many early nights as you can.