10 Tips for a wonderful Christmas

Love it or hate it, you can't escape it.

Ahhh Christmas Time. It's easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas preparation and miss out on the magic. Between cooking food that everyone will eat, buying presents that everyone will love, visiting and catching up with family and friends, putting up decorations to rival the neighbours, Christmas can be exhausting, not to mention cost a small fortune. When you look back on the Christmases of your childhood, its the magic and time spent with loved ones that you remember. You laugh at the memories of the time the dog stole the turkey off the table, think of the time spent with family playing board games, fondly remember watching Christmas movies together while saying you couldn't eat another bite, and then digging into the box of chocolates again.

I have been working with lots of families in the lead up to Christmas, and I see many frazzled parents working hard for their loved ones to have a perfect Christmas. Here are 10 tips that I have developed for a wonderful Christmas. They might not be for everyone, but hopefully there will be something you can take from it.

1. Remember there is no such thing as a perfect Christmas. And even if there was, no ones idea of perfect would be the same. Instagram is a highlight reel, all you can do is the best for your family. Which brings me to number....

2. Start traditions that match your family. If your kids don't understand the idea of Santa and can't stand crowds, noises, lights, then there is no point standing in a busy line in your local shopping centre, surrounded by lights and blaring Chirstmas music, for a photo of them screaming on Santa's lap. There are so many different traditions you can start, but make sure they match YOUR FAMILY. Check my previous post for ideas of activities that can be adapted to your family.

3. Practice gratitude. There is so much to be grateful for. You never know who might be wishing for the life you have. No matter how much your life is falling apart, you will always find something to be grateful for. You might have debt, but at least you have a roof over your head, others aren't so lucky. Maybe you have a child that is struggling and needs all your support. There are many who wish for a child and don't have one. You might see people sharing their relationships on Instagram and feel crap that you don't have a partner, but maybe you have wonderful friends or family members that others could only wish for.

4. The time you give someone is worth so much more than money. Time is fleeting. You can never know who won't be with you next year. In regards to your children, cherish every moments, they grow up so quickly. I always appreciate a gift that I know a person has put thought into or spent time making, rather than a gift that someone has picked up from the shop without any thought.

5. Christmas can be a very lonely and sad time for some. You never know how much a kind word or simple gesture can mean to someone. Asking someone how they are feeling, giving someone a card, inviting them over for a drink.

6. The lights, noise, crowds etc. can be overwhelming. Support your loved ones by making a safe calm place they can go if they need some time. They might not be able to recognise when they need to take a break, so be aware of the warning signs that show they are overwhelmed and prompt them to take some time out.

7. Routines are all messed up during Christmas. Your loved ones might not understand why they are off school, when they are going back, why are they randomly getting given presents and having pictures taking. Why is there so many people in their house? A simple schedule or social story can help people understand what is going on. Go over the schedule in the morning or night before, and offer choices of activity or even the order of them. In regards to social stories, there are many online that explain stuff such as Santa, getting presents etc. If you can't find one, please contact me and I will help you develop one. Read social stories with your loved ones a number of times, so they understand what is happening.

8. Be well prepared. If you are having Christmas at someone elses house, discuss your loved one's needs with them. Let them know If you have a fussy eater, so they have food prepared. Maybe bring some preferred foods as back up, or your loved ones usual drink bottle etc.

9. This is an important one. Often we try to people please, or go along with others plans, especially over the Holidays. This Christmas try and put your family needs first. No one has to wear uncomfortable clothes, or go to social events that will make you uncomfortable.

10. Take a deep breath and enjoy the day. Happy Christmas to you and yours X