Christmas is fast approaching and while it is my favourite time of year it is also the busiest. Pinterest doesn’t help. There are so many lovely ideas and I want to do them all. Last year was particularly stressful with lots going on in the family and it felt impossible keeping up. I knew things had got really bad when I noticed my hair was starting to fall out. I really started to worry I would end up with no hair and would have to get a transplant, I even looked into the FUE transplant cost. Luckily when things calmed down a bit I stopped losing hair. This year I’m doing things differently. These are the things I’m going to do to look after myself this Christmas.
Make a List
It’s not just Santa who needs a list at this time of year. There are so many things to do that it is easy to forget one of them. I find it’s the last minute panic to get more wrapping paper or buy a present for someone you had forgotten that gets me really stressed. It’s also when I end up spending more money than I wanted as it is easier to throw money at the problem.
Delegate
This is the thing in life I’m worst at. I find it really hard to ask for help and end up doing everything myself and then get grumpy that no one has helped me. This year I’m finally going to get good at asking for help. Maybe.
Budget
I hate the thought of overspending at Christmas. The thought of starting the year in debt sends me into a panic. But I do love buying lovely presents for everyone. This year I’m setting a budget for each person and sticking to it. It also means cutting back. You don’t need to spend lots of money to get something sweet and thoughtful. It just takes a little more time.
Online Shopping
Going round the shops with three children is a recipe for disaster. This year I’m avoiding the shops as much as possible and sticking to online shopping. It does mean sometimes we miss a delivery and have to go to the post office which adds its own stress but nothing is ever totally easy. Shopping online means it is easier to find the bargains and stick to a budget as you are not tempted by other items you weren’t planning on buying. It also means you miss all the crowds and noise which is a big advantage to me.
Relax
To me, Christmas is all about spending time with the people you love. This year I am going to enjoy cuddling up to watch a Christmas film with a mug of hot chocolate, reading Christmas books. I’m not going to stress about making every cute craft on Pinterest but enjoy making a few cards with the children and some mince pies in the kitchen. I’m definitely not making my own pastry. It’s shortcuts all the way.
In association with Harley Street Hair Clinic