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10 Tips To Have The Best Christmas Holiday Ever
17.12.23
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, filled with festive activities, Christmas parties, beach BBQs, and family gatherings. Yet, amidst the excitement, the holiday season can also bring its fair share of stress. Balancing the hustle of preparations and purchasing gifts while trying to enjoy every moment is a common challenge.
Rest assured, by adopting a few simple tips, you can manage this busy time to ensure you truly enjoy all parts of your Christmas and Christmas break.
In this article, we'll dive into practical ways to navigate the festive rush and make your Christmas holiday both enjoyable and memorable.
Tip 1. Plan Your Holiday Schedule
Kickstart your holiday season by mapping it out. Grab a calendar or notebook and jot down your plans. Include social gatherings, catch-ups, and parties, as well as some self-care time to relax and recharge. Don't forget to budget for gifts, activities, and food. Involve your family in the planning process. A well-laid plan not only helps manage your time and expenses but also makes the holiday period much more enjoyable and less stressful.
Tip 2. Focus on the Present
With a year full of events behind us, the Christmas season can feel overwhelming. Remember, this holiday is a chance to step away from the year's rollercoaster. Spend quality time with your family and friends by being fully present. A simple trick? Pause, place one hand on your stomach and the other over your heart, and breathe deeply five times. This small act can anchor you in the joy of the moment.
Tip 3. Ask for Help
In our fast-paced, do-it-yourself culture, it can be hard to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you find yourself bogged down by holiday preparations and festivities, it's not only wise, but a healthy choice to seek support. This could be from family, friends, or professional services. Create a comprehensive list of your holiday tasks, and for each one, think of someone who might be able to lend a hand, be it in shopping, cooking, decorating, or even just providing company and moral support.
Tip 4. Be Selective with Your ‘Yes’
In the spirit of the season, it's common to overcommit. But remember, it's your holiday too. Before agreeing to another event or task, take a brief pause. Deeply inhale and exhale five times, place your hand over your heart, and ask yourself, 'Do I really want to do this?' ‘Would this light me up?’ This mindful practice ensures that your holiday decisions are more about your enjoyment and less about obligation, helping you truly relax and recharge.
Tip 5. Find Time for Self-Care
During the busy Christmas period, it's important to find moments for self-care. Plan to include activities that help you unwind and rejuvenate. This could be meditation, a peaceful walk on the beach or in nature, journaling, turning off your devices, or practicing mindfulness. Breathwork can also be a powerful tool for relaxation (see the link for info and breathwork exercises to try). Enjoy a bath with magnesium salts, a good book, or a quiet day indoors with those you care about.
Tip 6. Daily Gratitude Practice
The holiday season can sometimes bring up comparisons, loss, and challenges. To counter this, focus on gratitude. Each day, take a moment to list ten things you’re grateful for, whether it's your family, your health, or small daily joys. At your Christmas gathering, you can invite everyone to share something they've been grateful for over the year. This simple practice can shift perspectives, boost everyone's mindset, and enhance the festive spirit.
Tip 7. Prioritising Sleep During theHolidays
In the holiday hustle, good sleep is crucial for enjoyment. Scientifically, 7-9 hours of sleep are vital for optimal functioning (Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine). To maintain a positive and energetic mood throughout your holiday break, focus on sleep, limit caffeine, and reduce screen time before bed. Baxter Blue blue light blocker glasses can be a great aid in improving your sleep quality.
Tip 8. Dealing with Family Dynamics
Christmas time means catching up with all kinds of family members. If you find yourself in a challenging conversation, just take a moment to breathe. Everyone has their own views, shaped by different life experiences. A short break to grab a drink or a snack can help you reset and engage with a light heart.
Tip 9. ‘5 to Thrive' Morning Ritual
To maintain a healthy, positive mindset throughout the holidays, dedicate the first five minutes of your day to cultivating a positive mindset and personal empowerment. Choose one positive action each day: maybe it’s a round of uplifting ‘I am affirmations’, listening to a motivating podcast or YouTube clip, jotting down things you’re grateful for, or a quick physical workout. This brief, focused time has been scientifically proven to uplift your mood and mindset, giving you a great boost to start your day and maintain positivity and energy throughout your holiday break.
Tip 10. Navigating Holiday Highs and Lows
The festive season can often bring a mix of happiness and tension. It’s important to acknowledge and manage these emotions. If you're feeling overwhelmed, talking to a friend can be a great relief. Similarly, if you spot a loved one seeming stressed or down, take a moment to check in with them. Offering an empathetic ear can create a supportive environment where emotions can be openly shared and managed.
Tip 11. Mindful Eating for Christmas
Christmas is a time for enjoyment, this includes granting yourself the permission to enjoy your favourite foods without guilt. But it's also an opportunity to eat mindfully. Give yourself the freedom to enjoy all types of foods, but also stay hydrated to counterbalance the indulgence. Listen to your body's hunger signs and fullness cues, and think about how you'll feel the next day. Incorporate some light physical activity, like a walk, to aid digestion. Choose smaller servings of your favourites, then step away from the buffet table to avoid overeating. And remember, if you do indulge in that extra piece of pavlova, don't beat yourself up – if it brought you joy, it was worth it.
As we step into Christmas and the holidays, cherish the fact that this season is all about love, togetherness, and crafting new memories with those who matter most. Whether you choose to adopt one, some, or all of these tips to elevate your Christmas break, remember that each moment is a precious gift. Whether you're savouring a delicious Aussie BBQ with great banter, setting aside some 'me time,' or simply revealing in quality moments with family and friends, it's these moments that form the beauty of life.
May your Christmas be filled with love, laughter, and heart-warming connections. Here's to a joyful and safe holiday season from us, and the Baxter Blue family.
Written by Lucy and Milly, the award-winning certified life & transformation coaching duo. With over 30 qualifications, they have successfully guided more than 4,000 individuals towards living happier, healthier, and more thriving lives
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