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FIND YOUR ZEN WITH MONTHLY COLUMNIST FEARNE COTTON

s a nation we’ve made what should be a cosy, joyful time of year, into a jaw clenching stress pit of horror. We think we have to buy everybody in our postcode a gift, then put an insane amount of pressure on ourselves to produce food to a Nigella level.

These days, in an attempt to retain my sanity, I’m practising acceptance that things will go wrong. I will forget to buy someone a present. I will probably make too many Brussels sprouts and “ not enough potatoes. I want to create atmosphere and sense of celebration with less pressure on myself. I’m a Virgo who likes to be in control so usually I plan everything a Christmas with lists that are so complex I’d have more chance understanding hieroglyphics. I learned a great lesson on my 40th birthday. A pub garden dinner got rained off which led to me pulling the dining and kitchen tables together and finding every candle in the house to decorate it. It was one of the best birthdays I’ve had. So this Christmas I’m going to be a bit more spontaneous about things and use as much stuff that I already own to decorate the house, wrap my gifts and spruce up the table.

My least favourite part is wrapping gifts. I always imagine it’s going to be romantic, with Frank Sinatra playing in the background and mulled wine steaming nearby. Yet in actuality it involves the kids screaming at me as they’re desperate to peek at what I’m wrapping.

To make it more enjoyable I’ve started finding scraps of fabric at home or in my local second hand shop to wrap in the furoshiki method. There are loads of demos online, you can then decorate your gift with sprigs of rosemary, dried flowers, old Christmas decorations, whatever floats your gravy boat. It looks much more personal and beautiful and the recipient can reuse the fabric and decorations. Take the pressure off yourself and prioritise atmosphere over stress and upcycling over shopping lists. Whatever kind of Christmas you’re having this year I wish you love and a little bit more peace.

Takethepressure offyourselfand prioritiseatmosphere overstressand upcycling shopping ” over lists

ATOP TIPPLE

‘Non alcoholic drinks for a hangover free Christmas. I love Ceder’s’

IT’S A WRAP

‘Stylish fabric is perfect for wrapping gifts’

EPIC MOVIE

‘I will never tire of this Christmas film’

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