The pre-Christmas rush is in full swing.
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In my house, the festive season so far has been dominated by daily repairs to the Christmas tree, which has proved irresistible to the family cats.
But feline football with baubles aside, we're opting for as low-key a Christmas as we can manage.
Everyone has their own idea of the ideal Christmas and, let’s be honest, it doesn’t always work out the way we’d like.
Financial and work pressures and family dynamics can be a big stress around Christmas time, as can loneliness, isolation and loss.
‘Tis the season for a lot of things, but let’s add one more. How about we make it the season to give ourselves a break?
If your idea of a lovely Christmas is a formal gathering at a beautifully laid table with food that would earn a Michelin star, then go for it.
But if you’d rather have some snags in bread and throw in a fishing line at your favourite spot, what’s wrong with that?
We are bombarded with messages of what Christmas means: “The perfect Christmas”, a “cool Yule” or whatever.
Let’s all take a deep breath and ask whether we’re doing Christmas the way we want to, or if we feel like we’re going through the motions to satisfy others.
If you’re finding yourself run ragged this Christmas, there are plenty of expert tips on how not to let frantic festivities get to you.
The Health Direct website offers some simple tips for getting through Christmas. Although they’re fairly obvious, it’s worth taking a look and reminding ourselves of the basics in self-care.
When it comes to money worries, Health Direct suggests taking a long look at the family budget and, if it’s causing stress, to look at low-cost ways of enjoying the season.
If you’re worried about family stresses at a gathering of the extended clan, Health Direct recommends putting the kids first, setting realistic expectations, drinking in moderation and avoiding known triggers.
Let’s be honest, is Christmas lunch really the day for a Shorten versus Turnbull debate? Let’s leave Canberran capers off the Christmas day menu.
If loneliness and isolation are an issue, Health Direct has suggested making plans for Christmas Day, volunteering or connecting with family and friends where possible.
While all of these suggestions may sound simplistic, there is an important message: Be kind to yourself.
And if I could add one of my own: Make Christmas what you want it to be, not what you think other people expect you to make it.
Christmas carries with it a mystique that extends well beyond its traditional Christian origins or its modern reinvention as a gathering of family and friends.
We like to believe there is magic attached to what is often dubbed the season of perpetual hope.
Sadly these days, the hope seems to be that we survive the “silly season" with credit rating and family harmony still – sort of – intact.
Let’s give ourselves a real Christmas present. Let’s put aside not only disharmony, but also the feelings of obligation and expectation.
How about starting the season of peace on Earth and goodwill to all men by giving ourselves a break and remembering Christmas is about more than gifts, fancy dinners and overblown family expectations?
Jody Lindbeck
jody.lindbeck@fairfaxmedia.com.au