How To Keep Calm This Christmas

Every year, I promise myself that I won't fall down the rabbit hole of madness that tends to come with the christmas season.

Every year I tell myself not to become too overwhelmed, to take plenty of time for myself , to remain calm, to remain present and enjoy the season.

Every year I fail.

Every year find myself swept away in a tidal wave of frustration, panic and stress. With society constantly pushing us to do more, especially if were parents , it can feel overwhelming to keep up with the demands of the season.

However It isn't too long before my chronic illness surfaces and provides a very poignant reminder to be mindful, to breathe, to slow down.. to stop and if I dont listen, then my body will make me stop.

Winter is afterall a cyclical time of darkness, where we should go inwards to fill our days with slowness and ease.

Once i'm reminded of that it feels so much easier to take the steps I need to help bring that feeling back into my everyday life.

I'd love to share some of the steps with you today, I'm not promising christmas miracles ( though wouldn't that be something!) but if they manage to help you feel more centered and grounded even a little bit, during this fast paced holiday, then it's more than worth it!

1: Set Realistic Expectations For Your Time & Energy.

I really believe that one of my biggest sources of stress during the holidays is the internalised pressure to create the "perfect" experience for my little family, you might feel this too!

In the past, the need and drive to make "perfect " memories would lead to making lots of plans with friends and family.

I would commit to more than I was physically capable of, showing up everyday like I can bend time and space.

Fitting a thousand different things into a single week all the while gritting my teeth and forcing a smile.

Underneath I would find myself overwhelmed, anxious and extremely irritable and the question why am i putting myself through this? Would circulate over and over again!

If you're reading this and you feel that this is you also, it might be a huge sign to start thinning out your schedule during the holiday season and creating a new one that feels aligned and joyful.. 

I alway ask myself the following questions when I find myself overwhelmed...

1. What activities or commitments are actual priorities for me right now?
2. What activities or commitments I really looking forward to?
3. What activities can be let go of that wont impact my plans too much?
4. What activities can be spread out over the season instead of crammed together chaotically?
5. Where can you schedule slower rest days inbetween to ensure you have a chance to recoup?

Leaning into these five questions has seriously helped me create a christmas routine that feels much more joyful and manageable!

2:Delegate Tasks

Even though we know that no one will get it done the way that we get it done..The truth is we just can't do everything and my love, that's ok!

It's also okay to ask for help!

Please don't feel like you have to do everything on your own! Anytime of year not just the christmas season!

Delegate tasks to other family members or friends if possible to lighten your load.

Whether it's cooking, cleaning, or gift wrapping, sharing responsibilities can help alleviate stress and make the holiday season more enjoyable for everyone, or if you don't feel that you have a support network willing to help..delegate certain days to certain tasks so that you dont feel overwhelmed with everything at once.

Allow ample time between tasks so your not rushing and can relax inbetween.

3:Focus on What Truly Matters

This one might irritate a little bit, it did for me at first too.

But I promise when you take a moment to lean into the deeper meaning of what I am trying to say, it really can help create a much calmer and wholesome holiday for yourself and the people you love.

We can get so caught up in the commercialistic expectations of the holidays that we lose sight of what truly matters during this time of year –  spending quality time with our loved ones, being calm, centered and relaxed.

Our little ones are watching everything we do all the time, how we act, how we react. If through the years all they see is parents stressed and anxious and overwhelmed throughout the build up to christmas and the festive season, they may also start to believe that stressed, frantic and fast paced is the normal way to feel during this holiday period.

Instead of getting caught up in materialistic aspects of the holidays ( which I have often) bring your focus back creating meaningful memories with your family.

Amidst the chaos of the holiday season, it's important to remember that our families and children will remember how we made them feel, much more than what we did/didn't buy them.

These moments are what will be cherished for years to come.

I hope that the three steps to a calmer christmas were helpful! If you have any of your own techniques that you feel would support others this time of year, feel free to share them in the comments below!

I hope that you enjoy the festive season and create beautiful, peaceful and happy memories with your loved ones.

Blessings always

Hannah 

xoxox