Home for Christmas

For Christmas HOME

Dreading Christmas at home this year? You’re not alone! So we’ve put our heads together and come up with 5 ways to help you escape the festivities unscathed.

Manage your expectations Christmas is meant to be the ‘most wonderful time of the year’, so it's hard not to fall into the trap of setting huge expectations - especially with the year we’ve had - but this can leave you feeling underwhelmed. Try to keep your expectations under wraps. We know you’ve spent hours in the kitchen preparing a gourmet feast but it’s unlikely your 2 year old will get through Christmas lunch without some kind of meltdown or your teens without moaning. Just take a breath or alternatively prescribe yourself a large G&T.

Rally the troops Don’t be a martyr. It’s quite easy to take everything upon yourself and then feel irritated that no one is helping. This year try getting everyone involved in the preparations both in the run up to Christmas and on the day itself. Rope your other half into getting the tree, putting up decorations, doing the grocery shopping – he will need a list - and wrapping presents. The paper only gets ripped off and the rustic look is in! As for the kids, friends and family will love receiving cards written in their squiggling hand and making mince pies could become a fun family tradition.

Choose your battles Christmas holidays can lead to a lack of routine and boredom. For younger children, stick to their routine (naps, meal-times) as much as possible and have some ideas of what you can do to keep them entertained. For older kids and teens, although it’s important they sit with the family for Christmas lunch (no phones and gadgets), if they want to disappear with their Xbox for a few hours in the afternoon don’t sweat it. Enjoy the fact you’re not being woken up at 5am anymore to see what Santa has left!

Take time out Be pragmatic about your relationship. If things with your partner have been strained during lockdown, don't expect Christmas to fix everything. But before you rush to the divorce lawyers, take a step back. Create time to talk (and to listen) to each other, spend quality time together during the festivities and if affordable plan a child-free break after Christmas (local/national restrictions allowing) for some much needed time and space to reconnect. A little time-out can really add new perspective to your relationship.

Play the game Finally if you’re spending time in an extended family bubble over Christmas, discuss beforehand who will do and pay for what to avoid any tensions on the day. Remember every family has their own Christmas traditions from when to open presents, to the time to eat, so work out a compromise to suit all. Failing that if you’re in their home, play by their rules, it’s only for one year. Although it’s always prudent to have an excuse ready - the dog need walking, the kids are tired, I’ve got medication to take – for an emergency escape route!