I always feel that "stress" is complicated. Some stress is good for us, and I believe that there is good and bad stress. Christmas stress is one of those that I think is confused!

Do you think that stress at Christmas gets confused with excitement and anticipation? I know that my own children are probably feeling stressed - will Santa bring me those presents I asked for! Have I been good enough? Will Santa remember me?

Whereas we are stressed thinking about how we are going to get that present, can we afford it, and at the same time knowing that we want that sparkle and excitement for them on Christmas morning. So is this stress? and is it a good stress?

I had some thoughts on how to relieve some of the "bad" stress, so that we can enjoy the "good" stress.

Shopping for Food - get organised and pre-order the bulk of your Christmas shopping, who wants to carry bottles of drink and christmas puddings with the children "tugging" at you.

Christmas Cards - set an evening aside, put it on the calendar and stick to it, when you can sit down and do the Christmas cards. It's a job that will take ages but once done the relief is so uplifting. Plus you get them out in time and not arriving on Christmas Eve.

Pressy wrapping - not an easy one, especially if you have nosey little ones. Again, try to set aside a time to do this, and make it fun, get a glass a wine, a big box of chocolates (you will have loads to wrap) and put a film on that makes you laugh.

Organise yourself - try to remember that this is for "one" day. Getting yourself prepared in advance will give you time to enjoy the festivities, so a bit of planning will give you pleasure.

Enjoy the season - this season is such a beautiful time, the children are excited (sometimes too much) but try and capture some of what they have and laugh, giggle and enjoy the lights, visiting Santa and just say to yourself I have a whole year before I have to do it again!

If you have any ideas that we've missed or if you would like to recommend a toy, product or company please email the site at: contributions@forparentsbyparents.co.uk

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