The festive season should give us a chance to reflect on the past year, make plans for the new year and enjoy some time with our families and friends.
Instead, many people spend the run-up to Christmas agonising about the cost of Christmas presents, preparing a special meal and generally making the holidays perfect.
The pressure can seriously mount ahead of the festive period, leading to arguments and stress and potentially even causing long-term problems such as depression.
Here are a few handy hints from First Psychology’s practitioners to help you avoid a holiday breakdown:
SET A REALISTIC BUDGET
Much of our holiday stress is related to spending on presents, food and Christmas parties.
The key to avoiding big credit card bills come January (and the stress and anxiety that comes with them) is to be honest about how much money you have to spend.
Agree a maximum cost for presents with family members and friends.
Start shopping for your Christmas meal well ahead of time to take advantage of deals and freeze pricier items such as meat and fish.
If you’re attending more than one Christmas party, consider recycling your outfits – after all, the Duchess of Cambridge has set a great example for re-wearing favourite outfits.
SET ASIDE FAMILY QUARRELS
With busy everyday lives, we spend less time together as a family than ever before.
Christmas is one of the times when kids will be heading home from university, grandma and grandpa may be joining you, and then there are the cousins.
As different people with different opinions congregate under one roof, it’s easy for simple disagreements to turn into a family feud.
If you are concerned about your relationships, speak to a family member or a friend before Christmas Day to try and resolve disagreements.
Alternatively, you can agree to disagree for the time being. If all else fails and you feel that spending time with your family will be detrimental, limit it and only come along for Christmas dinner, for example.
SHARE THE TASKS AHEAD
We start feeling stressed for a number of reasons – the feeling of “having too much on your plate” and being unable to cope is one of them.
Delegate some of the tasks you’re facing to others: if you’re hosting Christmas dinner, ask friends and family to contribute a dish or come around early to help with last-minute preparations and table-settings.
Grandparents are usually happy to be involved and asking them to help is a great way to show them you value their contribution.
If there are older children in the family, ask them to keep the younger ones entertained whilst you’re busy.
FOCUS ON WHAT’S REALLY IMPORTANT
Never mind the so-called “perfect Christmas” – think about the things that you need to make this Christmas special and focus your energy on making them happen.
Whether this is a magical evening decorating the tree, letting your inner chef reign when you’re cooking the Christmas meal or a cheeky glass of champagne in front of an open fire on Christmas Eve.
DON’T GO IT ALONE
More and more Scots are living alone or too far away from their families to join them at Christmas.
Being on your own over the holidays could cause negative feelings and even lead to depression.
If you can’t see your loved ones on Christmas Day, try arranging a Skype call.
Or take a look around you: do you have a neighbour who has no family left or needs a helping hand? How about joining forces for Christmas, whether it is attending a party at a community centre or simply sharing a cup of tea and a mince pie.
Compiled by Professor Ewan Gillon, clinical director and managing director, First Psychology Scotland. Visit www.first psychology.co.uk
First Psychology has branches in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and the Borders.