Christmas stress.

[jojojojojo]

I hate to moan but is anyone eles as stressed as i am about christmas?Its only one day but yet im finding that im realy anxious and ett up,Are any of you feeling the same and can you give me any advice on how to deal with it please,Thankyou.

[parkers]

It also has the same effect on me, don't really know why, I think that it is the stress, hassle and extra cost involved. It annoys me that as a nation we are forced into doing things 'just because it is christmas', I think that's what winds me up.. It is all a series of missions, go shopping, spend money, write cards, go shopping, buy food, go shopping, spend money... I was getting anxious about it, but have now decided to rise above it and just go with the flow, can't do anything to stop it, so might as well just go with it !!

[ELVIS68]

relax, whats all the fuss about, btw what day does christmas fall on anyway

[jojojojojo]

I agree parkers,And there are parts im looking forward to like watching the kids open there prezzies,But this build up to it is awfull ,But like you say its got to happen so rise above it. ILL give that ago.

[jojojojojo]

Ohh to be as relaxed as you elvis68 , Pass some of your calmness my way pleeeeeeese.

[woofgang]

It might help to make a list of the bits that wind you up and work out a plan for dealing with them, ie delegate, ignore and so on. Whether you believe that its about the birth of Jesus, the midwinter festival, the birth of Mithras or just an opportunity to stop and enjoy time with people who mean a lot to you, you have as much right to enjoy the day as anyone else.

Try here for some good advice http://www.flylady.net

[ELVIS68]

Easy, carry on your normal life til xmas eve, nip to the shops about 4pm ,do your shopping, get home ,wrap them up, get the kids off to bed, feet up have a drink then leave out half a glass of milk and half a carrot for santa and rudolph. Go to bed, wake up at 6.am and watch the kids open their prezzies...sneak back up for a xmas bonk, shower, back down and relax and enjoy the rest of the day.

[jojojojojo]

Thanks elvis ill keep all that in mind, Cheers.

[ELVIS68]

No worries jo x 5....btw have you got a stutter?

[halfadaily]

just checked my diary Elvis, christmas day falls on 25th december again. About time we had a change....the Aussies have got the right idea, they celebrate in the summer!

[maggie01]

I hope elvis's wife knows about his plan. We are going to a hotel for lunch this year. Takes all the stress out of cooking etc. Just try to relax. Do a little at a time and just try to enjoy the day.

[andy-hughes]

I am constantly amazed how the notion of Christmas - togetherness / gifts / happiness / relaxation has somehow metamorphisised into this nightmare of aggression / stress / nightmare / pressure / why do we do it? / sceanrio.

It gets worse every year. Everyone says they do it for the children, but really, do we need an eight-week build-up for one day?

I mentally avoid all the 'Christmas' atmosphere in shops, in the media, and in conversation around me. I prepare what I'm buying as early as possible, and strive to pursuade my family to go out for Christmas dinner. yes it;s costly, but it's also strerss-free - you are buying peace of mind - well worth it I reckon.

What we experience is national hysteria and mutual loathing - just step outside the though process you are being pushed into, and do exactly what YOU want to do.

What happens if the dinner is late? If Aunty Ethel doesn't like what you bought? the earth will spin, the sun will rise. It really is just one day. Relax ..... Better?

[ELVIS68]

maggie, if she dont know it by now, she`s gotta go

[copippin]

Hi jox5,don't get stressed just enjoy everything that happens and don't let convention get to you,do what suits you and enjoy doing it and have a really great christmas.Oh and pour yourself a drink! you sound as though you could do with one!

If it's any help, read the posting by drisgirl "sorry to bother you all" it kind of puts things into perspective--there is always someone worse off than yourself.

[Gef]

parkers, we are not forced into anything. I agree it can be stressful but just do your own thing. Hope you have a very happy Christmas.

[pega]

I have never understood the foolishness of people spending beyond their means for what ? most don't believe in what christmas is kept for prince of peace that is very clear in everyday life and the world as a whole with all the evil let's face it a day for a booze up for most and to buy loads of food which half won't be eaten and for the shops to cash in and church's collection plates. christmas spirit is to be nice and kind to everyone all the year round, the manners of the pushing and dashing about says it all, you don't have to follow the crowds, its just another day and won't be any different for me (except another B'day) and sunday is the best day for newspapers crosswords, and don't forget if your on your own and no family and the people who's loved one's are no longer with them and this year especially when we think what happened in London as I say for many christmas is a sad time. and having only a few weeks ago seen that wall in Bethlehem and life there.....what a memory

[Vics]

Hi jojo.... I think as a few have suggested - do something different. I know that is easier said than done - But for example - go out to eat one Christmas, The past 3 Christmas' I have walked the dogs at the RSPCA centre in the morning - that has made me feel so great as it has made me realise that the world goes on as the majority are stressing over presents, turkeys etc. But also I read today that if you didn't have stress you would be dead - so embrace it. That is true - obviously only in moderation !!- but a degree of stress is exciting - so see it as that.

[jojojojojo]

Thankyou for all your replys, Im trying to relax , We,ll get there hope you all have a brill christmas.

[wallis1007]

People feel under pressure to spend money they dont have. I know peole that are still paying for last xmas. Why dont people believe you when you say you dont want anything. If I want / need anything then I go and get it if i can afford it. If I can't afford it then no one else is going to get it for me! Someone down our street put their xmas decorations up the week after bonfire night!