My 10 tips for a mindful and stress-free Christmas season

The ‘magic’ of Christmas involves a lot of cooking, shopping, and cleaning.

Sometimes, it feels less about the birth of Christ or a celebration of the winter equinox (have you noticed ‘the stretch’ in the evening yet?) and more like a marathon session of list- ticking and slaving in the kitchen.

High fives to all the retail workers who slog their socks off in the run-up to Christmas and are back at work within days. And those frontline workers who are keeping the country ticking over and will be at their posts tomorrow.

Whether you are someone who will be celebrating a few days of Christmas holiday, or are lucky enough to be off until January 6, here are my 10 tips to ditch the stress and have a happy and healthy Christmas.

Christmas can be a wonderful time of the year, but it can also be a sad and lonely time for many people too, and the best way to get through the season is by being as kind as we can to those we encounter. Nollaig Shona!

1. Lower your expectations

This is a good tip for the rest of the year, but particularly at Christmas when advertisers have been ramming imagery of art-designed Christmas dinner tables at us for weeks.

Scenes heaving with food surrounded by attractive people who like each other, and are dressed in colour coordinated festive wear, are not real life.

Let go of the pressure for everything to be just so.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t have matching Christmas pyjamas, festive duvet covers, or an empty laundry basket. The priority for tomorrow is to relax in the company of your family and friends and enjoy the excitement of Santa coming to town.

We all want Christmas Day to be ‘perfect’ but high aspirations lead to stress and the key to a pleasant day is to make it as low stress as possible.

2. Delegate

If you are responsible for cooking Christmas dinner, then delegate. The fingers of small children are perfect for peeling piles of sprouts and carrots, and kids love to be involved in preparations for the big day.

Text in a request to Christmas FM to your little helpers and watch your kids squeal with excitement at their names being called out on the radio while you get them to scrub the spuds.

3. Switch off

Consider a day or two of being ‘offline’ and switching off your mobile phone to create a mental break from the outside world and help you fully engage in the present moment.

Your brain will be so grateful for a sos beag from technology.

And do not, whatever you do, respond to work emails during your Christmas holidays.

Not everyone has a lengthy break over the Christmas holidays, so if you are lucky enough to have one, use it wisely.

4. Make time for yourself

The owners of small children may scoff at this tip - all they wanted for Christmas was to be able to go to the bathroom on their own.

If possible, set aside some time each day to do something that nourishes you personally - whether it’s reading, taking a hot bath, going for a walk, or simply drinking a cup of tea and staring out the window.

Protect this time from obligations or distractions and you’ll feel replenished for the festivities.

5. Rest

Christmas is about appreciating what you have and spending time with your loved ones. The temptation is to use your time off to catch up with friends and socialise, especially those returning emigrants home from London who are trying to cram a year’s worth of relationship into three days and want you to go for pints, a sea swim, and host a house party.

Allow yourself to say “no” to some events or commitments, and be honest with others about your need for rest and downtime.

6. Plan low-key gatherings

That said, hanging out with friends and family is the best part, so instead of feeling pressure to host elaborate events, plan relaxed get- togethers like a cosy hot chocolate afternoon, a casual board game night, or a winter nature walk.

I like to invite people over for coffee and croissants mid-morning. Fling a load of frozen pastries into the oven, boil the kettle, and let everyone help themselves.

Instead of large, exhausting gatherings, prioritise one-on-one or small group conversations with loved ones.

Taking time to deeply connect with those you care about can be far more restorative than large gatherings that leave you feeling drained.

7. Get out in nature

Spending time outdoors is rejuvenating. Even a short daily walk reduces stress and clears your mind.

We are blessed in Cork city to have so many green spaces and beaches on our doorstep. Take a heart-warming walk around The Lough tomorrow to admire kids showing off their shiny new toy prams and motorised vehicles that Santa will inevitably be bringing tonight.

I’m hoping to check out the newly opened Marina Promenade and Midleton to Youghal greenway during the holidays. A nice way of burning off some of the excess Christmas sugar consumption.

8. Eat and drink sensibly

The holidays can be a time of indulgence and a time for treats, but hitting the Roses and wine hard can leave you with two kinds of hangovers on St Stephen’s Day.

Eating mindfully, savouring the tastes, smells, and textures of your meals and treats, can help you feel more satisfied, and avoid the crankiness (and headaches!) that comes from over-indulging.

9. Unleash your creativity

No doubt the kids will get some crafting activity for Christmas, and taking the time to paint or draw or bead a bracelet can be a very calming way to spend an hour.

Help the kids build their Lego (if they’ll let you) or take some time to do some baking to unwind the mind.

10. Don’t go to the sales!

Unless you have had your eye on something specific or need, there is no need to aimlessly roam the shops looking for a ‘bargain’.

The thrill of a massive discount is very temporary and you’ll be better spending your time and money doing something other than shopping.