It’s quite scary how just the other day I was taking photographs around my house of all the Christmas trimmings to write up a blog post. A year later and I’m doing the same thing. But I must admit, I’m a lot calmer this year. It’s as if I’ve made Christmas time my own. I’ve learned what it is to enjoy the festivities, I’ve seen how happy it makes loved ones around me and so I’ve chilled a bit.

There’s something just magical about a Christmas tree and the soft flashing lights. It warms my heart. But not everyone feels the same way. In fact, Christmas can be a very stressful time of year (for most people). So here’s my arb list of ‘Surviving Christmas’ and ensuring that you get as much out of it as you put in.

1. MAKE AN EFFORT 

It can be the simplest thing like putting up a tree or some form of decorations around the house. Change your attitude. Don’t complain when you get asked to go shopping. Don’t moan about having to visit family. Instead of whining, do the opposite and surprise yourself.

2. ACCEPT THE FACT THAT EVERYONE CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS IN THEIR OWN WAY

Every family & person will in all likelihood celebrate Christmas in very different ways & the memories from their childhoods dictates how they approach the day. Do not force your family traditions on everyone around you. Make Christmas your own and do what you must to make it special for you. Allow your loved ones to do the same.

3. TAKE TIME TO APPRECIATE THE SMILES, THE LAUGHTER AND THE LOVE AROUND YOU FOR THESE FEW WEEKS

It’s such a short holiday before we hit 2014 with full force. This is the only time that we get to relax, to overeat and to have conversations over the dinner table with family. Spend an extra few seconds watching the faces of those you love when they open up gifts & be grateful for everyone in your life.

One last tip. Go to a shopping centre after work one night, go buy an ice-cream and stroll leisurely through the shops holding hands with your partner, taking in all the Christmas decorations, listening to the sounds of Christmas carols. KK and I did that last week. Best. Night. Ever. I’ll treasure that memory forever. X