The season of good will is upon us once more and the big day is drawing near. Very near.
It’s fun to get into the festive spirit. But in the pursuit of the ‘perfect Christmas’, we can put too much pressure on ourselves and worry about things we don’t need to worry about.
About 40% of the weekly shop and Christmas food are sold on promotion, leading to overspending. Then, we’re throwing away 54 million platefuls of food each year. Ouch.
Mental health charities, including Mind and Mental Health UK, cite an increase in reported feelings of stress over the Christmas period. Things such as financial worries, the need to provide, entertain guests and keep everyone happy rank highly in people’s concerns. Feelings of loneliness are also higher during the festive season.
It’s clear to see that this pressure to perform and provide is harmful and takes away from the joy, peace, and togetherness of the season.
Collectively, we can take some of this burden away from ourselves and each other. Now, doesn’t that sound like a wonderful Christmas present?
If you're about to head out for a final food shop and last minute present dash, give this a quick read first and you'll find practical ways to focus on the good and avoid sweating the small stuff.
Gifting
In our efforts to impress, we’re buying in excess. Time is the one thing we all want more of, so anything that involves it can show we truly care. Try taking someone out instead of getting them a gift, or gift them an experience you can do together. Buy something you know they use instead of making a guess, or offer to babysit, petsit, or be of assistance in some way.
There’s a selection of ideas for acts of care you can gift someone in the Presence over Presents post too.
Food
Don't be afraid to say what you need and ask people to bring things based on that, rather than having everyone turn up with a sweet wine no-one drinks or five boxes of After Eights!
If only one person likes a particular thing, you don’t have to serve it. There will still be plenty to tuck into and it’ll save on waste.
One of the hardest things at Christmas is multi-buys. But you’re not saving money in the long run if it goes in the bin, so don’t be afraid to put that third pack back on the shelf!
Hosting
The Christmas aesthetic has become a big thing, with everything from festive dinnerware to decked out bannisters, hallways - and even families.
It’s ok if you haven’t got those things. People are far more likely to reminisce on who they were with, not what they ate off. If you don’t have enough dinerware for the number of guests you’re hosting, ask someone to bring some of theirs and use it in equal measure, so it still feels part of a planned set-up.
If you’re left with more than you want or need after hosting, consider gifting food and toiletries to local food banks or support groups.
Attending as a guest
Ask what your host truly needs from you on the day of the event and take that. Equally, take something you know you’ll eat or drink, so it won’t go to waste.
Instead of buying all new outfits for every occasion, swap clothes with your friends or neighbours or rent something if you’re going extra-fancy.
Play games like Trivial Pursuit or charades on apps on your phone instead of taking cardboard and plastic that’ll be discarded at the end of the day.
Everyone has their part to play in creating a Christmas full of magical memories. By including your loved ones throughout the prep as well as the party, you’re sharing the load and making it feel like an event for all of them to be proud of.
If you need help with decluttering and organising (and the emotions that can come with it), whether you're in Nottingham or anywhere else, I can help.