20 Ways to Slow Down this Christmas

It happens at the same time every single year. I get myself in a tizz over everything; the amount of work that needs to be done before the holidays, fitting in meetup’s with friends and family (I’ve already double booked myself twice), buying gifts, juggling pennies, sorting food, and everything else in between. Frantic comes to mind, and we don’t even have children.

We all lead different lives but I know a lot of us feel the same pressures at Christmas (and throughout the year for that matter) no matter our situation.  This past year I’ve begun to learn the importance of really slowing down, and that less really is more. I’ve just forgotten how to do it at Christmas. So I’m working with Ultra HD 4K TV Panasonic today to remind myself, and my lovely readers, to take a breath.

As someone who loves the season in all its entirety it feels a shame that I’m going to miss my favourite time of year altogether because I’m too busy to notice it. It’s hard to take it easy at any time as I think as a society it’s been ingrained in us to always be busy and to be grateful for that. But I’ve noticed when I’ve prioritised my wellbeing over doing something on my to do list, I’ve felt better for it, and have been more productive in the long run.

Here’s 20 ways to slow down in the run up to Christmas. I’m taking note too.

1| Read a festive bedtime story to the kids or yourself to help get in to the Christmas spirit.

2| Stop and take a breath when things get hard.

3| Pay attention to your body. Feeling groggy? Keep hydrated and make sure there is lots of fruit in the house to counter balance all the delicious mince pies and chocolate.

4| Watch a favourite Christmas film with your phone turned off.  How many of us watch a film at home and still check their phones? Turn your mobile off or put it on silent and watch the film in its entirety.

5| Take an evening walk in your local community and look at all the Christmas lights. I love seeing the orange glow in people’s homes at this time of year.

6| Make hot chocolates (or ask someone else to) and talk about your favourite Christmas memories together. I’ll never forget my drunk dad on Christmas day falling off a breakfast bar chair…

7| Open Christmas cards together.

8 |Feed the birds. And remember to peer out of the window in the morning and watch them graze.

9| Instead of meeting friends and going shopping or eating out, why not meet for a long walk (and take a flask of something tasty with you).

10| Have a candlelit dinner one evening before Christmas (no fuss, just add candles).

11| Tell the ones you love how much you care for them. In a phone call, in a text or in a letter. The recipient might really appreciate that whilst having their very own Christmas tizz!

12| Baking is a mindful activity for me. If it is for you too, try baking to a little festive music this year. Not for gift giving, just for you.

13| Enjoy the benefits of convenience food (I’ll be buying all the pre-made pigs in blankets this year!) and don’t feel guilty about it.

14 |Spend less time in the shops and more time at home.

15| Toast marshmallows on an open fire.

16| Get those board games out!

17| Spend 5 minutes lighting candles in your home.

18| Delegate Christmas tasks. You don’t have to do everything and the Christmas tree and wrapping doesn’t have to be perfect.

19| Take a long bath. Listen to the flurry of family downstairs and enjoy a moment of calm (and bubbles).

20| Embrace a perfectly imperfect Christmas.

What are your favourite Christmas memories?

Disclosure: Collaborative Post