Less is more before Christmas

The pre-Christmas period can be a time of joy, but also of stress. Finding gifts, preparing the perfect tree, baking cookies and cleaning the house often lead to the feeling that there is too much to do. How to maintain psychological well-being and enjoy this time in peace? The key is the philosophy of "less is sometimes more". Try applying a few of our tips these days and tune in to the upcoming holidays with greater well-being and peace of mind.

1. Reduce your plans and gift shopping

You don't have to do everything. Make a list of what is really important and consider other activities. Do you really need to bake ten types of cookies? Just the few most popular ones will do. Is it necessary to go to the shops every day? Try buying gifts online or limit the number of them. We really like a Scandinavian custom where you draw lots in the family to whom you will give a gift this year. Everyone gives only one gift. So, its choice is more deliberate and, on the contrary, there is no time spent looking for gifts for each family member. If you are not attached to material gifts, dedicate time together and experiences that create real memories. Take a trip, book a cabin in the mountains, try an activity together that you have wanted to try for a long time.

2. Prioritize meaningful traditions

Christmas is not about perfect sweets, or perfect decorations and cleaning. Focus on what really makes sense for you and your loved ones. Decorating the tree together, singing carols, or walking through the Advent town can be much more beneficial than piles of gifts. You can create new joint Christmas traditions that give you meaning.

3. Plan with a reserve

We often stress out due to lack of time. Take sufficiently long breaks between individual tasks and do not overwork yourself. If you don't manage to do something, the world will not collapse. Give yourself space to rest and spontaneous moments. Stress doesn't help anything, on the contrary, you will be under even more pressure from the obligations you have imposed on yourself. We follow the rule that if you can't do it now, you can do it later and nothing will happen.

4. Don't be afraid to say "no"

Family, friends or colleagues may have many wishes and expectations. Learn to say no to things that would burden you unnecessarily. You don't have to organize every Christmas gathering or attend every event you have been invited to. You have the right to choose and put yourself first.

5. Delegate tasks

Involve your family in the preparations. Children can help decorate gingerbread houses, your partner can take care of shopping or cleaning. Shared tasks will not only reduce your burden, but can contribute to a better family atmosphere. And you can also order someone to clean up. Did you know that some restaurants will prepare Christmas Eve dinner for you to take away? Why not bring home a ready-made meal and just enjoy the time together? It seems like the perfect idea for a pleasant evening.

6. Take time for yourself

The demanding pre-Christmas period often takes its toll on our health. Take some time for yourself every day. Go to bed early so that you have energy for work and other duties in the morning. Take breaks in between. Go for a walk outside for a while, soak up some sunshine. Don't miss out on exercise that you enjoy, it will give you happiness hormones and even a more demanding stressful period, like the one before Christmas, will be easier to handle. Treat yourself to a relaxing bath so that you can fall asleep easier in the evening. Stretch in the morning, splash your face with cold water and massage gua sha. Drink plenty of water or herbal teas and eat a varied diet. This is the very basis for how to handle any situation.

7. Gratitude and modesty

When else can we remember what is truly important than at Christmas. The season of eternity. For being healthy, for having family around us, for being able to live a free life. If we reminded ourselves of this more often, perhaps unnecessary worries about things that are ultimately not important to us would disappear. We wish you that this Christmas will be at least a little more peaceful and relaxing for you.