Christmas - tips to reduce the stress

Budgeting for Christmas
For many of us, the Christmas aftermath includes massive credit card bills that can take months to clear. Christmas doesn't have to be a financial headache if you plan ahead.

Presents
If you have a large circle of extended family or friends to buy gifts for, it can be very costly. You might be able to reduce the stress and cost of Christmas for everyone if you suggest a change in the way your family and friends give presents

Christmas shopping
According to a recent study by Roy Morgan Research, around 60 per cent dislike Christmas shopping, just 20 per cent plan their shopping expeditions, and the majority of us (nearly 75 per cent) often come home without a single purchase for our efforts.

The Christmas dinner
Stress reduction strategies include:

If you are cooking lunch at home, delegate tasks.

You don't need to do everything yourself.

Consider keeping it simple - for instance, you could always arrange for a 'buffet' lunch, where everybody brings a platter.

Buy as many non-perishable food items as you can in advance - supermarkets on Christmas Eve are generally extremely busy.

You may need to order particular food items (such as turkeys) from your supermarket by a certain date.

Check to avoid disappointment.

Consider doing your food shopping online.

The store will deliver your groceries to your door.

(Keep in mind this option is more expensive than visiting the supermarket yourself.

Book well in advance if you plan to have lunch at a restaurant.

Some restaurants may be fully booked for months before Christmas, so don't wait till the last minute.

Relationships
Stress, anxiety and depression are common during the festive season. If nothing else, reassure yourself that these feelings are normal.

General health and wellbeing
Some other ways to keep your stress levels down include:

Try to be moderate - it may be the season to be jolly, but too much food and alcohol is harmful, and drink driving is a real danger and illegal.

If you can't (or don't want to) step off the social merry-go-round, at least try to eat and drink in moderation.

Get enough sleep - plan for as many early nights as you can.

Keep moving - keeping up your regular exercise routine can give you the fitness and stamina to make it through the demands of the festive season.

Where to get help

Your doctor

Financial planner

Your local community health center.

Things to remember

Save a percentage of your disposable income throughout the year to provide a nest egg for Christmas expenses.

Make a list of all the gifts you wish to buy and shop early.

Don't expect miracles - if you and certain family members bicker all year long, you can be sure there'll be tension at Christmas lunch.