CHRISTMAS - time to be jolly. Or is it?

Anita
Dec 22, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Nov 23

As soon as Halloween is over, the shops switch to Christmas decoration. This transformation happens almost overnight. Honestly, how do they do it?

I imagine little elves working through the night to transform the shops, and the process feels quite magical.

This sudden shift triggers a desire in me to start decorating, yet it also makes me feel anxious, as if my own efforts will never be enough.

The period between Halloween and Christmas is often chaotic, with everyone in a panic to complete tasks, finish dental work, and manage heightened anxiety.

Amidst our usual routines—like earning money for the mortgage and caring for family—we must juggle numerous additional tasks to keep traditions alive. These include attending Christmas kids' concerts and work parties, organizingSecret Santa, wrapping presents, and writing cards.

When I was a young adult, I tried hard to follow every trend. This meant fully decorating the house for Christmas, righting Christmas cards for ALL of my colleagues, buying all the fancy Christmas clothes, accessories, including Christmas hair accessories and Christmas earrings—doing it all!

I also took on the challenge of combining Slovakian (my heritage) and British (my husband's) Christmas traditions.

It was absolutely exhausting and ultimately disappointing, especially because I knew I would never be good at cooking Turkey or baking cakes.

So, I set out to create our own traditions... ones that are streamlined and trimmed! My new motto is clear: LITTLE IS MORE!

We still have a Christmas tree, some decorations, and a blending of our Slovakian and British traditions. However, I absolutely refuse to be told by others' of how Christmas should be.

It is our Christmas!

MY TIPS HOW TO HAVE A CALMER CHRISTMAS:

Steering clear of stores during the Christmas season not only helps me to manage my anxiety but also helps me to budget without overspending.

Shops know how to do CHRISTMAS - I do not need another Christmas plant, decoration, candle....From November onwards I handle everything online, purchasing only what we need for Christmas.

I make an extra effort not to overspend since it's just two days.

One Christmas card for a dental team. Writing Christmas cards takes time. Time we do not have especially if we look after our family.
One Christmas present for a dental team. If you are not a practice | clinic owner then reward your colleagues with one present. I usually get the coffee shop voucher for them.
Set your own little traditions.
Mine are: we always have same Christmas menu:
- Traditional Slovakian Cabbage soup
- Traditional Slovakian potatoes salad
- smoked gammon
- red stewed cabbage (my kids hate Christmas red cabbage, but it's a tradition - sorry kids :-)
- mulled wine - home made.
I never buy new Christmas decorations before Christmas except Christmas tree - reuse your old ones. I occasionally buy Christmas decorations after Christmas with huge discount.
Learn to say NO to events before Christmas. Chose one or two Christmas events you want to attend.
Try to enjoy Christmas

So go out there and create your own Christmas!

Whatever it means for you!

Merry Christmas!

Person doing yoga in a forward bend, head on a white surface, wearing a pink top. Background is blurred, giving a peaceful vibe.

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