Five ways to ease the stress this Christmas
The festive season can be a Santa sack of mixed feelings. For many, it’s a time of wonder, celebration and connecting with loved ones.
It can also be difficult for myriad reasons, including coping with heightened emotions and financial stresses.
If Christmas is getting your tinsel in a tangle, try some of these ways to ease the stress and take the silly out of the season.
1. Buy presents early.
’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the malls,
panicked shoppers were stirring with last-ditch gift hauls.
Their bank cards were maxed, tapping hands paused mid-air
And they’re stressed ‘cos St. Nicholas soon will be there.
While things don’t always go to plan, being organised well ahead of Christmas will help reduce stress.
For online orders, take note of delivery estimates and factor in extra time for when the post office is inundated with packages.
If you’re shopping in-person, try not to leave it for the 24-hour shopping-fest two nights before Christmas. Instead, have a look around local markets (like Gathered) where you can support SA producers and maybe pick yourself up a little treat.
What’s stopping you from snapping up a discount from the RAA Shop or an experience on RAA Rewards today? You’ll just need to find the perfect hiding spot in the wardrobe so your pressies aren’t discovered before they’re safely wrapped under the tree.
2. Go out for a stress-free Christmas meal.
For a stress-free approach, find a local restaurant, café or pub that offers a dining service on Christmas day. Eat out and you won’t have to wash dishes, cater for dietary requirements or be stuck in the kitchen.
With many eateries hosting multi-course lunches or dinners prepared by talented chefs, all you’ll need to worry about is which dessert to order. If you need some inspiration, check out our list of RAA Rewards dining partners and don’t forget to book early as tables fill up fast.
3. Limit time behind the wheel.
Driving can be stressful during the festive season. With more people on the roads, there are increased opportunities for driver distraction and flared tempers. Road rage is rife, and you don’t want to be one of the 22% South Australians who have either experienced or witnessed road rage on our roads.
Instead of driving home for Christmas, try settling back with a book on public transport to avoid the hassle of driving. Remember to check the timetable to find out any timetable changes over the festive season.
4. Host a potluck Christmas meal.
Christmas calories don’t count, right? A potluck is a great way to bring your loved ones together to share the catering responsibility without breaking the bank.
Guests each bring a plate to share, often their speciality. It’s like having your own home-cooked buffet. RAA members can pick up all the ingredients with discounted eGift cards at Woolworths, Dan Murphy’s and other participating partners.
5. Consider alternative gift options.
With living costs continuing to rise, many South Aussies are experiencing financial pressure. Lots of people are in the same boat, so chat with your loved ones about a solution that’ll work for everyone.
You could organise a family Kris Kringle so you only need to buy one present each. There are free resources online that do the hard work for you. How about giving second-hand or upcycled presents? You’ll be doing your bit to keep items out of landfill while saving money.
Bonus tip: take five minutes to breathe.
Take a moment to take stock and let go of the idea of the ‘perfect’ Christmas. Fill the season with the people and events that make you happy. Alternatively, get away from it all and travel during Christmas if that’s a viable option for you.
You won’t be put on Santa’s naughty list for looking out for yourself, so go out there and enjoy the festive season.
Ready to think about Christmas?
Reduce the stress this festive season with RAA Rewards.