Christmas can be a fun, happy time for many – there are gifts, and food, and family. But for others Christmas can be a time of stress and anxiety – there are gifts, and food, and family…! And loads of expectations and “should”; of what “should” happen, of who we “should” spend it with, of what we “should” buy for others.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
So how can we get the festive season back to being something to look forward to?
Start New Traditions
Creating new traditions can shift the emphasis from gift-giving to experiences. Consider activities like baking together, going for a hike, or volunteering at a local charity. These shared experiences can foster a sense of togetherness and create lasting memories that everyone will cherish.
Have to coordinate many sides of an extended family? Is the actual date – 25th December – really important to you? Trying to fit time with everyone into one day can be stressful – so make it another day! Start your own family tradition – make your family gathering on Christmas Eve or Boxing Day. In my house our gathering is Christmas Eve so then the kids can go to wherever they need to go on Christmas Day, and I can spend the day quietly cleaning up and eating leftovers!
Limit Gift-Giving
If gift-giving is a tradition in your family, consider setting limits. For example you could adopt a “Secret Santa” approach where each person buys for only one other person. This can help reduce the emphasis on materialism and encourage thoughtfulness in selecting gifts.
Or make it even more fun by incorporating the ‘stealing’ rules in as well!
Share Acts of Kindness
Encourage family members to perform random acts of kindness during the holiday season. This could include small gestures, like helping a neighbour or sending a thoughtful note to a friend. Sharing these acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, reinforcing the spirit of giving and love throughout the community.
Practice Gratitude
Incorporate gratitude into your holiday celebrations by discussing what you’re thankful for during family gatherings – another new tradition! Replace ‘Grace’ before the meal with a round table gratitude shout out. You could create a gratitude tree where everyone hangs notes about what they appreciate most. This practice can shift the focus from what you want to what you have, fostering a sense of appreciation that transcends material possessions.
Embrace DIY gifts
If gift-giving is still a part of your celebration, consider making homemade gifts instead of buying them. Handmade items—whether it’s baked goods, crafts, or personalized notes—often carry more sentimental value than shop-bought presents. This approach encourages creativity and thoughtfulness, reinforcing the idea that it’s the effort and love behind the gift that truly counts.
What are you great at? Cooking amazing yo-yos? Propagating indoor plants? Making chopping boards? Knitting beanies? Making homemade sauce?
Focus on Giving Back
Encourage your family to participate in charitable activities. This could involve donating toys, food, or clothing to those in need or volunteering at local services. Engaging in acts of kindness helps everyone understand the importance of generosity and compassion, allowing the true spirit of Christmas to shine. Be the person in your workplace who drives a FoodShare donation tree!
Embrace diversity
Christmas is celebrated in various ways around the world, reflecting diverse cultures and traditions. Embracing this diversity enriches our understanding and appreciation of the holiday. Learning about how different communities celebrate can broaden our perspectives and remind us that Christmas is a universal theme of love and togetherness, transcending cultural boundaries.
Look After Your Mental Health
Recognise and acknowledge that it can be a stressful time of year – and that you are not alone. If you don’t have Christmassy plans for Christmas day that’s ok – but make sure you have a plan – even if it is to quietly clean up after the Christmas Eve gathering! Spend time with a pet, get into the garden, walk the beach – give yourself the gift of peace.
However you choose to celebrate, whatever you choose to call it, the team at Wilsons Wish you a Merry Everything and a Happy Ever After!