The Christmas decorations, puddings, cakes and other items are already in the stores. Have you already started to fret over what your plans are going to be this year. This Christmas does not have to be the same as every other. You do not have to follow the same old family traditions or rush around seeing all family and friends again. Why not decide to stretch out your Christmas activities over a longer period, this will help to reduce your stress levels and make it a less stressful event.



Here is a monthly countdown with some practical suggestions that can help you towards having a less stressful Christmas:-

End September/Early October:- Make a list of the names of all relatives and friends you need to buy presents for plus extras for surprise guests.

End October/Early November:- Email family and friends to ask them to give you an idea of what they would like. Not everybody prepares early so be prepared to have to wait for a few days for a response. Make sure that you agree on spending limits; the cost will soon add up if you come from a large family and you are spending $40 - $50 on each relative. If you can not agree, set yourself a limit and stick to it.

October/November:- Stores start stocking up on Christmas gifts as early as October, some even earlier, so now is the best time to start buying your gifts. The shops are not heaving with the hustle and bustle of shoppers fighting for the latest must have for this year. If you already know what your friend or relative would like and you see it in the shop, buy it. Plan to buy all of your gifts up until the end of November as this will leave you with a few weeks to wrap and buy any last minute gifts.

Early November. Write out your Christmas card list, you can then start to write out your cards and address your envelopes. Starting early will enable you to spread out the workload.

November/December:- Some of your groceries can be bought in advance. Buy some of your non perishables each time you go shopping, for example cans, packets, jars, bottles and frozen foods.

Late November/Early December:- Plan ahead. Arrange your visits to family and friends at your convenience. You will get round to seeing everybody with your bags of presents and have some time to yourself just before Christmas.

By buying a gift as and when you see one you can spread the cost and avoid the financial headache lots of people get in January. You can also be a bit frugal when you go shopping, look for special offers in the shops, some shops have buy one get one free or three for the price of two offers. If you wrap and label them when you get them home; you will not be panic wrapping a huge pile of presents.

When you have carefully selected, bought, wrapped and delivered all of your gifts it is time to pamper yourself. Why not try one of the following relaxation techniques:-

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy using essential oils from plants to balance the body, mind and spirit. Add a few drops of lavender, ylang ylang or geranium oil to your bath water, get in and relax with a nice cold glass of white wine.

Reflexology

A reflexologist applies manual pressure to specific areas on your feet or less frequently your hands in order to rebalance energy in your body and stimulate natural healing processes.

Massage

Massage is the practice of manipulation of the soft tissues of the body in order to fulfill any of several physical, functional/mechanical and/or emotional goals. Massage is generally safe as long as it is done by a trained therapist and that you are in good health. Please ensure that you speak to your Practitioner before having a massage if you are an expectant mother.

We are all going to encounter some stress during the festive season, but being prepared and planning ahead will help to reduce your stress levels and make it and enjoyable event for all.