Yes it is time for goodness and spending time with those you love, but it can also be tough for others. There was a time I dreaded Christmas and was a humbug. I was angry about it. Now though since my son has come into my life, love it again and looking forward to it

1. Delegate: If you are worrying about hosting Christmas and it is your first time, then delegate duties, example have someone cook, and you concentrate on decorating and get your kids involved, depending on their age, and have those in your family contribute to it, by having those coming bring some wine and other bits of food, so it is not all landed on you.
2. Budget: Yes I will be talking more about this on my channel My way of living and helping you not to over spend and what you can realistically afford. At the end of the day it is a day to bring people together and not on things you can’t afford.
3. start buying groceries and treats, like chocolates before the prices increase. ASDA do some offers and I also like checking out M&S and Sainsbury’s, so take note, and have a folder to help plan and that is a good budget that fits into your lifestyle and you don’t leave yourself out of pocket, because of Christmas.
4. Family feuds: Yes, not all families feel good to share Christmas if there is a fued and you don’t want it to escalate, by not including them into your plans, so set it out that you get to see some family on Christmas and the other family on boxing day and swap it round, so they don’t miss out and neither do you. Do the same for the new year, so you can still include all those in your life and noone ends up on their own.
5. Music: Put on those records and create a playlist using Youtube or iTunes. I love having a good selection of music, that brings back those you have lost and miss over Christmas and creates a good atmosphere and have a Christmas party, with a Christmas Buffet and again have people bring food and drink and play games that everyone can join in. I love playing games a Christmas and always been such good fun. That helps if you have troubles and forget them for one day, and helps create a good setting so people feel good and relaxed.
6. Drinking: The one tradition we did as a family was we’d go to my nans and my dad and uncles would go to the pub. It can be a great atmosphere. If someone over drinks then make sure you set out some rules beforehand and that people can get merry but doesn’t lead to bad behaviour that turns into a fued.

I have created a printable for parents and included it into my parenting blog: https://theparentingadventurestipsandtricks.com

So I hope this helps you and I will be doing more as we head towards Christmas and don’t feel alone in the worries and stress, Christmas can bring, as many like me feel the same, and just want to be a good day of cheer and love.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X