10 TIPS FOR LIFE ON THE GO AT CHRISTMAS

Image Annie Spratt via Unsplash

We put a lot of pressure on ourselves at Christmas time. Far too much, considering it’s meant to be a time to celebrate, be merry and simply be with the ones we love. Yet, when December calls we find ourselves stressed out by obligations, to do lists and errands. On top of that we’re eating and drinking more, sleeping less and working hard to make sure Christmas holidays are an actual holiday from work. So it’s no wonder in the past, I’ve found myself reaching to my bag for my Bach’s remedy spray and heartburn tablets, having a little cry into my evening sherry and falling asleep on the sofa at 8pm. Modern life is demanding at the best of time but silly season is something else.

The festive season doesn’t arrive on Christmas Eve and finish on Boxing Day. It begins the day we start buying gifts, going to the work Christmas do and the writing of Christmas cards. But it is my favourite time of year so in an effort to embrace the madness and try to keep things simple I thought I’d offer up my life on the go tips in helping you get through (and enjoy) the festive season.

Vibeke Design | The Merry Thought

1| Decorate your home minimally to create a sense of calm when you step through the front door after a busy day. I love the look of the Christmas trees above with no decorations or lighting.

2| Stay hydrated. Stock your bag or car with water and keep a water bottle in your bag to top up throughout the day. Drink herbal teas to balance out the extra coffee and booze you might be drinking. I swear by drinking honey and lemon to ward off pesky colds too. If you get into a routine at the beginning of the month, by Christmas it won’t feel as much of an effort.

3| So you are not beginning the day in a tizz, write a to do list at the end of each day. Lists are my friends. Mornings are my enemy.

4| Schedule a couple of no-plan days in December to simply do nothing or catch up on me-time. You don’t have to say yes to every invite! As an alternative, book in coffee dates in January instead, to catch up on all the Christmas news.

Image via FreutCake | So Soft Sunday

5| Be creative with short bouts of time. Read my 25 Productive Things To Do While Making a Brew blog post!

6| Unplug. Try and ensure before you go to bed you have at least half an hour of quiet time. Be that reading a book, moisturising and massaging your hands and face, listening to a calming podcast or stroking the family pet. Try and ignore your phone, it will only remind you what you need to do.

7| Buy one gift only for each person. It keeps things simple and helps you stick to a budget (there is nothing worse than starting January in debt!).

Almost Makes Perfect | Hege in France

8| When entertaining keep things simple. Rather than buying every alcohol spirit known to man, offer your guests a simple signature cocktail. Have wine and beer to hand for anyone else.

9| Batch cook freezer-safe Christmas bakes to give as gifts for unexpected gifts. Nigella’s pistachio fudge is one of my favourites.

10| Get everyone involved. Rather than taking on all the Christmas tasks, delegate them to the family.

Do you have any life on the go tips for the festive season?

Disclosure: This post is in conjunction with Rennie® but as always, all thoughts are my own.