It is that time of year again and we are counting down to Christmas. For some it may be an exciting and wonderful time connecting with family and friends, for others it may be more challenging or difficult due to financial difficulties, strained family relationships or missing loved ones who have passed. Whatever you may be going through, allow yourself to feel what you feel. Christmas isn’t about the number of presents under the tree. It is about love and connection with people. The best Christmases we have had have been at times when we were really struggling and couldn’t afford to do anything. That is when your Spirit gets creative and the real meaning of Christmas emerges with families coming together to support each other. This time of year can be over-stimulating and overwhelming for children as well as adults.

Here are my tips for avoiding overwhelm during the festive season:

• Declutter first! – Go through your home and get rid of whatever you no longer need or no longer serves you. This helps to clear the energy in your home and creates space for the new to come in. You could sell things to raise some extra cash or donate to charity shops. What you no longer need may be exactly what someone else is looking for.

• Plan and get organised – As I get overwhelmed and overstimulated very easily especially at this time of year when going shopping, I find it helps to have a plan of what I am looking for and a budget. It reduces overwhelm and avoids indecision when faced with endless choice. Decide when you will see family and friends and try not to overbook yourself, which will cause overwhelm.

• Delegate, don’t do everything yourself – If you’re having people round, get everyone to pitch in either by helping prepare or bringing something. You don’t have to do it all.

• Create boundaries for yourself – It is OK to say No. Be kind to yourself and ask yourself before accepting an invitation if it is something you really want to do. Overwhelm happens when we are overly busy and don’t plan in enough rest time. Watch your boundaries.

• Make time for yourself – This is a time of year to slow down and go within so make sure you are nourishing you too. No matter how busy you are, you can always take a few minutes to be still and breathe deeply and be present. So why not take yourself off for a nice soak in the bath or to do something you really enjoy, to recharge yourself.

• Rhythm – This is important for children as well as adults. We all feel safe in our usual rhythm as it comforts us having something familiar. Try not to veer too far from your family rhythm when it comes to meals and bedtime, even if you are travelling to visit family.

• Support local small business – Instead of ordering everything off Amazon or buying from large retail chains, why not support local businesses and markets. It feels really good to support a local small business and you will get some unique and beautiful gifts.

• Smile – It costs you nothing to connect with someone by offering a smile. You may just make someone’s day.

• Get creative – why not make some gifts, there are plenty of DIY ideas online so you could make something personal without needing to spend much.

• Remember to have fun. Remember what Christmas was like when you were a child, it was magical. Recapture that magic. Be a child again.

What helps you avoid overwhelm during the festive season?

I love getting feedback from you. Let me know what you are struggling with so I can better support you.

With love,