12 Dec 5 ways to survive a hectic family Christmas
Yes, Christmas time is here again!
It’s the time for enjoying meals out with work colleagues, for meeting up with friends, for catching up family you’ve not seen in ages and for generally eating, drinking and being merry.
Or is it?
The only problem with Christmas is; that whilst it gives us a much needed break from work, there are so many demands on our time and on our physical resources, we can come to the end of the holiday and actually… be ready for a holiday.
Here then, are five ways to survive a hectic family Christmas.
Take time out to plan and prepare
There really is so much to prepare for and to get together including card writing and sending, present buying and present wrapping, food and menu preparation, party planning, travel planning – and even choosing the right clothes to wear.
The key is to plan ahead and it’s a really good idea to draw up a large, one-page calendar to use and update during the last few weeks in December. On your ‘Christmas Planner’ you can list all the things you need to do and plot what you’ll do each day.
Delegate and ask for help
You can’t do it all and it’s very important to ask for help. Think about what each person might be able to do best and most enjoy doing. For example, would Uncle Robert really enjoy being a barman and looking after all the drinks? Is your Aunt a star in the kitchen and would she love to take on the starters and the puddings?
Don’t forget the kids too. You could give them jobs such as gathering up all the wrapping paper on Christmas morning.
Keep fit and exercise
In this time of excessive eating and drinking, it can be very easy to overindulge. We all need therefore some fresh air and exercise. This doesn’t have to be a huge thing; it can simply be a rousing winter walk or a fun game of badminton.
Whatever exercise you do, it will not only allow you to overindulge a little without feeling too guilty, it will also give you the energy to cope with everything else.
Make some time for yourself
It’s also really important to put aside some time for you. This may mean ensuring you get a good lie in or that you just have time to chill-out in a bubble bath. It may even just be a case of going off for a walk by yourself with your favourite music on your MP3 player.
Another fantastic way to look after yourself is to book an exclusive pamper massage from Hands on at Work. With treatment prices starting at just £25 for a 30 minute appointment they’re easily affordable.
Let yourself off a little!
Finally, if you’re worried that you’re not going to have a pristine house that looks like the ones in the Christmas home-style magazines or serve the meal that is perfect in every way, don’t worry.
The most important thing is to have a great time. So do let yourself off a little and remember that not everything has to be perfect.
Find out more
For details about our home visits and massage therapy options, please call 07989 367669 or email info@handsonatwork.co.uk