So it nearly upon us that hype has been constant for the last all too many weeks, the children are getting more and more excited, they may well combust.

The adverts on the TV and film, music all dictate a perfect family Christmas, with crisp white snow, beautiful decorated tree, perfectly cooked dinner, with the ideal loving family all coming together in harmony exchanging ideal, all too expensive gifts.

Not being a bar humbug, but certainly very few households will be experiencing such a scene.  The fact is coping with Christmas can often it can be a really difficult time for many, with financial restraints, emotional reasons, not surprizing many relationships breakdown at this point.  Mine included some 13 years ago, so why do we put ourselves under such pressure.

The true meaning of Christmas has been lost and I don’t mean the religious side, as that is still very present in those who want that.  But Christmas should be kindness, goodwill to all men and peace on earth, well at least peace within your household, would be nice.

At the time of year we are often just thrust together with people we perhaps would not choose to spend time with, extended family, in-laws and out-laws.  Moods are heightened, children are beside themselves with excitement, it can often get too much.  So here are my tips on Coping with Christmas……

Coping with Christmas

The first thing you must do, as with everything, is ask the Angels as they can help with everything from patience, to time and lots more, but they can’t help unless you ask.

But on a more practical note, Christmas is about giving, why not give a little time to yourself to.  Share the chores; it can be so much for fun preparing the veg all together, make it into a game for the younger ones.  Break the chores up with a games for all the family in between, it can be just a simple as find the hidden chocolate Santa.

Set a price limit for presents, we have done this for the last few years, it is surprising what you can get for £5.  What about setting a theme for the gifts for the daftest socks, or hat.  It is not the value but the exchange of goodwill.  If things are really tight, try offering a service, washing the car, doing the ironing, giving a footrub.  Make it a yearlong present by offering your service once a month. Take the pressure off, I know if someone offered me a gift like that I would be very grateful.

Pace yourself, often tongues get loosened with alcohol so if you feel that might be the case for you and you are in company that can be difficult, why spoil it for all, limit your drinking so you know can stay in charge of your words and think before you speak.

Try visualising mirrors around you, so if you know you are in company of someone who says off the cuff remarks that can be a trigger to an argument; you can imagine their words bouncing back on to them. Diffusing the situation and leaving them sat there wondering what just happened.

If someone does upset you, and you need some time out, take the dog for a walk, make a start with the washing up, or go and play with the kids and their new things.

Playing games is so much fun, yes computerised interactive games are fun, but I still love the games we all played when I was little, and my family still love playing them now.  Who am I.  Charades, all cost nothing and produce fits of laughter.

Some of my happiest memories are of Christmas and all the games and getting together with the family.  So let’s make this Christmas one to remember for the right reasons for all, inviting friends and family round, playing daft games and enjoying each other’s company.  Sitting a catching up with family and friends really communicating and have fun.  But don’t forget to share the washing up too!

If you want to know what game we play I have shared some of them in this months Angel Club.

Happy Christmas with love A x