Day 1 – How One Little Word Can Instantly Buy You More Time & De-Stress Your Christmas

Welcome to your De-Stress Your Christmas Advent Calendar count-down! Today we’re starting with the number one mistake that most people make, which means Christmas is exhausting, rather than exhilarating.

Are you falling into the ‘Christmas Superhero’ trap?

Classic Warning Signs:

• Having a ‘to do’ list that’s longer than a roll of toilet paper
• Lying awake at night, remembering all the things you forgot to do today – and already worrying about the things you haven’t done tomorrow
• Saying ‘yes’ waaaay more than you say ‘no’
• Realising that every time the phone rings, it’s someone else asking you for help – and you say yes – again
• Really looking forward to Christmas being over…

Here’s a Christmas answer:

You don’t have to do it all yourself.

Even Santa has elves.

If those around you seem reluctant to help, there are fun and creative ways you could persuade them to join in.

And, even if you’re a super-helpful ‘yes’ person most of the year, Christmas really is the time when you should let other people get involved.
For example, Christmas decorating can be really good fun, if you get family or friends involved. How about throwing a “cup of tea and tree decorating” party?

My next door neighbours from when I was a kid create the most incredible Christmas Grotto in every room of their house.
They have a chorus of singing, bell-ringing monks, a full-sized laughing Santa and every wall and ceiling is covered in dark blue crepe paper, with thousands of delicate silver stars.

For kids, it really is quite magical. But it takes them so long to do!
Nowadays they use it to raise money for their local charities.

But you don’t have to go that far.
If you’re stressed, don’t put yourself under pressure. Decide how much decorating you want to do, allot a time for it and enjoy it.

As for other aspects of Christmas that might be stressing you: how about taking 5 minutes to job down some key areas now where you’d secretly like some help? Don’t let your excuses about why people won’t help put you off from asking. They might just surprise you!

How could you get creative about roping in some elves?

Bonus: Want To Know How One Little Word Can Help You Find More Time This Christmas?

And if doing it all yourself is a long-term habit for you, you could do a bit of self-coaching – here’s a short video to help you with my favourite Christmas-de-stressing word.

It is a usually bonus only for my Backstage Pass members and this video is yours, as my Christmas-de-stressing gift, today. I really hope it helps you.And when you have watched it, how about letting me know via the comments:

• What have you been saying too much ‘yes’ too?
• Is there anything you’re going to let go of?
• When will you next practise saying ‘no’?

Click to share your answers on Facebook

If you enjoyed this article, then here’s where you can find the rest of your Advent Calendar.

See you tomorrow with Day 2!

With love, Namaste,