by Hannah Parton, Content Team Contributor

Christmas is an exciting and joy-filled time for most; however, it can also be an overwhelming and anxious time for some. Previously, each year I would feel the initial excitement of the festive season arriving, and then all of a sudden, I feel sense of doom and a million thoughts racing through my head. Why does Christmas time have to feel so worrying?

If you’ve felt similar, or are feeling this way right now, I’ve got a few top tips and reminders to help keep those anxious thoughts and stresses at bay during the festive season.

Just a heads-up, these may seem a little random, but it’s things I think can help a lot of you (they’ve definitely helped me), so I hope you enjoy reading!

Everyone’s Xmas is different:

First reminder: your Christmas doesn’t have to look like theirs. 

We live in a world where there’s this generic expectation that Christmas needs to be an extravagant gift-giving, fun-filled and super expensive time of year. But this isn’t the case for everyone’s Christmas and it shouldn’t be either.

I’ll be honest, I used to focus so much on what my Instagram feed was showing, or how much people spent on presents. I would get this sense of guilt that I was a financial burden for not spending loads of money on my family and friends. I’d worry about money and feel the need to focus on what I spent on presents. Why should I have felt like that?

 Second reminder: Christmas isn’t just about present giving. Yes, it’s a lovely gesture but the content of the gift shouldn’t define how ‘good’ your Christmas is. It should be a time for celebrating and doing what brings you joy. Loads of presents, some presents or no presents at all, you should feel able to enjoy Christmas regardless. 

Feeling under pressure:

 In today’s society, so much of people’s lives is shared online, especially during the festive season. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are filled with lavish festive holidays and mountains of presents under the tree, creating an assumption that this is what Christmas time is about.

The festive period is different for everyone. Some people prefer chilling out, doing nothing – just happy they’re not at work, some have a small family get-together, some just treat it like it’s any other month. All of this is okay.

Third reminder: you deserve to spend Christmas doing whatever makes you happy. Comparing what you see and hear other people doing takes away the joy and prevents you being present at Christmas time, to enjoy it how you want to.  

Tip: try to limit how much time spent on social media on Christmas day. What matters to me the most is being with my family, and by doing this I get to fully enjoy spending the day with just them!

Too many things on the schedule:

Not for all, but for a lot of us, the festive period is often a jam-packed one. Whether it’s work, university deadlines or lots of plans, it sometimes feels as though there’s no time to enjoy the festivities, because there’s so much to do before Christmas day arrives! I’ve often felt like it was impossible to do both. But I’ve found something that really helps. 

Tip: note down all the important dates like Christmas day, Boxing Day, etc. on a calendar app. Add in any deadlines, work shifts or important things on the calendar. Once this is done, you can physically see what time you have left over, to fill with festive fun or chilling out time. I try to do a mix of both.

Having this organisation has made such a difference in how I feel. It ensures I get my “must do’s” done, whilst also having some festive fun and a lovely bit of chilling out too. I don’t feel that sense of doom and overwhelming festive feeling anymore, I embrace the fun and cheerful feeling.

That brings me to the end of my top tips and reminders for the Christmas period. Whatever you do over the festive season, I hope it brings you joy! 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Speak soon,

Hannah