25 Fun Ways to a stress free christmas:
1. Take a deep Breath
Remember what Christmas is all about and take a deep breath in times of stress and let it all out.
2. Get More Sleep
As you will be more busy than usual it's better to get as much sleep as possible so you will have the energy to do everything.
3. Allow more Mess
Christmas for kids is not a tidy affair it's all about letting go so don't worry too much about the mess. People visiting will expect mess if you have kids. Let kids be kids for the day.
4. Switch the TV off
The TV can often be the source of entertainment for the Christmas holidays. Try something different like board games, karaoke, family Xbox or Playstation games.
5. Let things go wrong
Christmas doesn't have to be spot on perfect. things will go wrong, laugh about it and get on with it.
6. Make it Magical
Put the fun back into Christmas for the kids and for yourself. It's tradition in our house that the biggest present is always turned into a treasure hunt. Make games up, sing, be silly just let go and be yourself for a full day and enjoy it.
7. Clean out the Freezer
Unless you have a frost free freezer it's a good idea to clean out the freezer to make as much room as possible for food.
8. Clear the Cupboards
It's also a good idea to clean out the cupboards of all food you have used including: tinned foods, packet foods, and sauces.
9. Give the house a good cleaning before Christmas
This way there won't be so much work to do after all the festivities are over and you can relax more.
10. Have a Rest Day
Once you have everything prepared, presents bought and wrapped, cards written and sent, invitations written and sent etc have a complete day of rest, you deserve it.
11. Never mind the Jones'
Christmas is all about joy, fun and happiness it's not about who has the best house lights, or the biggest garden tree or best garden decorations.
12. Keep your Receipts
Always keep your Christmas receipts in a special box. This will mean you can take duplicate gifts back or faulty gifts back and get them exchanged.
13. Encourage Children to get involved
When you explain the importance of Christmas through your actions the children will want to get involved as well. Always make it a fun time if you have kids.
14. Leave the kids at Home
If you are going shopping for presents there's nothing worse for a child than having to trail round the shops. Try and organise a baby sitter for a day to let you get your shopping done.
15. Free events before Christmas
Lots of children are off on holiday and it can be a strain to keep them entertained. Take them to free events such as the turning on of Christmas lights, the events in your local Mall, get the kids to write a letter to Santa, go for a walk in the park. (Check out our events page for free events in the Waikato area)
16. Make your own gift tags
Old Christmas cards are a great way to do this. Get your pinking shears out and make your own tags.
17. Stocking Fillers
You can stock up on these throughout the year and they soon add up to a size-able amount of gifts.
18. Watch Christmas Movies
Have a Christmas movie day to get the whole family in the spirit of Christmas.
19. Pay all your bills before Christmas
If you can do this it will save you the stress of worrying about the money situation.
20. Do some more walking
Christmas is a time for overindulging in everything including food and drink. Get a little more exercise by going out for a long walk.
21. Pack the camera
If you're going visiting remember to take the camera; it's often easy to forget in the hustle and bustle of getting packed.
22. Time the present opening
Kids get so many presents at Christmas that they don't know who is buying for them. Don't let them rip all the paper off every single one, let them read the label first, open them, and give them time to enjoy them.
23. Use smaller plates
If you want to cut down on the amount you eat, trick the brain and use a smaller plate.
24. Enjoy yourself
It's what it's all about.
25. Make homemade gifts
Making homemade gifts can be a great way to personalise your presents and save you a bit of money. If you're at all arty or can cook, why not make presents this year