The first step to reducing stress on Christmas Day

The lead up to Christmas is often a time of increased stress and anxiety.

The first step to reduce stress and anxiety is to zoom in and identify exactly what is stressing you.  
Throwing your hands up and saying I hate Christmas, it's all too hard isn't actually that helpful.  What exactly is causing the stress.  Let's have a closer look at this.  

4.Recent separation/divorce.  Confirming shared care arrangements, or dealing with the reasons why the other parent may not want to/can't see the children over Christmas.  Managing your feelings and those of children involved..
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5. Dislike of family members either due to resurfacing of old sibling rivalry, history of trauma (often secret), or a clash of values and lifestyles.

6. Troubling memories of previous Christmas. In our mind events that happened years ago feel like they just happened. You may or may not be aware that your mind is remembering these events. You may just notice that you don't really like Christmas.

And there are more stresses.  

The next two steps are problem solving and acceptance.  
To create calm there are two main options available. You can problem solve or you can put up with it..

First though, comes awareness.

Have a closer look at your areas of stress and think about - do I want to solve this problem to reduce my stress, or will I need to accept it.

Until next time

Kim

ps If you could do with some support and inspiration this time of the year, I invite you to join my Christmas Countdown where you will receive more hacks, tips and reflections on how you can create Christmas Calm from Christmas Overwhelm.
*updated 5th November 2022
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