I’m a huge fan of Christmas. The pretty lights in a dark cold month, the festive get togethers with friends and family, the steady stream of chocolates and snacks. But it can be a lot, and it’s very easy to overstretch ourselves mentally, physically and financially at this time of year, and come out the other side of it in January feeling worse all round.
Now that my kids are older the present buying situation is different. They know how it works and in place of a nice letter to Santa, this year they sent links digitally direct to my phone to make really sure I bought the right things!
Over the years I’ve slimmed down the list of people I buy for and it’s now a small and manageable group. The mental load that comes with having to think about what to get and for whom reduces when you take people off the list, and it reduces for them too. With some we’ve agreed to just buy the kids. With others we’ve agreed to go for a meal in February which is typically a slow month. With another we’ve bought ourselves a ticket to an event in April so we know we’re both going and that’s our gift and we’ve done it a few years in a row now. From a sustainability perspective gifts that we want or need tick more boxes than surprises that we never use.
The fewer gifts you buy, the fewer you have to source, wrap, and deliver so having the conversation to suggest a change is well worth it. Maybe a little late for this year but it’s worth checking and you could agree for next year if it is. This isn’t being grinchy, it’s just taking stock of where you are and considering if a different approach could be better all round.
Another change I made this year that I’m going to carry forward is one that happened by accident, and that’s to spread all the Christmas celebrations out rather than have them all in the last couple of weeks of December. In fact, mine started mid November and whilst that was due to availability really it worked out very well. Buying a secret Santa before the big present rush meant more time to think about it and get the right gift. I’m a fan of wish lists for secret Santa too, especially if you’re buying for someone you dont know well. So it there’s an option to add something you want, do it!
Back to spreading out the Christmas cheer though. By starting early and dotting your celebrations around you can make sure you have some down time and restful weekends. I happily had no plans for this weekend and so I’ve done a bit of impromptu shopping, watched a Christmas film or three, wrapped some presents and read a book. I’m feeling both more organised and more rested as a result. Building in downtime to recharge your batteries will help you enjoy the festive season and if you’re not worn out and run down you’re less likely to pick up the various seasonal lurgies too.
Financially Christmas can be a challenging time and one when it’s easy to overspend. I’m not the best at making sure I budget and stick to it but a few things that work. Firstly, a Christmas savings club is something that I’ve done before and think ill start up again. Putting aside a bit of money each month so you have a lump sum to work with in December makes it much easier. I know people who do this every year and I always wish I had too, so one for next year.
I tend to start my shopping early and put things away as I see them. The trick with this though is to make a note of all the things you’ve bought and for whom. I used to have a Christmas spreadsheet that I would add too each year so it kept a track of what I’d bought previously and anything I’d picked up early. Now I’ve reduced my buying list down I didn’t think I needed to but then I’ve just wrapped up gifts for my nieces and well, I may have gone overboard. Okay, I definitely have!
Going back to the sustainability point, I am a big fan of vinted for both gifts and clothing. I know what brands and styles suit me and so if I’m looking for something specific (I really wanted a velvet dress this year) then I can search the options and see what’s available and I’ve just found a dress that’s still got the tags on that is probably half the cost of the full price version. I love a bargain and for me, vinted is like finding a gem in a charity shop without all the rummaging.
If you look at social media you’d be forgiven for thinking everyone else is having a wonderful time, but don’t forget that you only see the bits that they want to show you. No one is putting on pictures of them cleaning the carpets before putting the tree up or feeling hungover after a big night out and having to get up with the kids the next morning. If seeing what everyone else is doing makes you feel inadequate then stop looking. It’s as simple as that. Just take a social media break for a few days.
Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect. People aren’t perfect, families are not perfect, and you don’t need to all have matching pyjamas and for every minute to feel magical. Spend the time with the people you love and make them your priority. No one will notice if the house isn’t sparkling clean and if they do, who cares. No one will remember you didn’t bother with sprouts this year. Make it as relaxing for yourself as you can, take short cuts, delegate at every opportunity, and make sure you come out the other side feeling well and rested and content