On the Second Day of Christmas my true love gave to me....

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Two turtle doves......Interestingly the true meaning of these words has a biblical significance referring to the Old and New Testament. Most of us are familiar with the idea of the dove as a symbol of peace and love. In fact, throughout the world, doves are recognised as birds of love, peace, fidelity and honesty. It’s easy during the season of advent to get so caught up in the activities of Christmas, with parties, decorating, cooking, shopping, tidying our homes for visitors coming etc. etc. that we forget to take time to enjoy all the good things about this season.

Sadly, Christmas for many has become associated with the word stress! The word peace has taken a back seat in the proceedings and has been replaced with words like ‘panic’, ‘not enough time’ ‘too much to do’, ‘how can we afford that?’ ‘I thought you’d bought the sellotape?!’ Is this really what Christmas is about? Then there’s the dreaded trip to the city centre shops...you know that unless you leave the house at the crack of dawn, you are not going to get a space in the car park and are going to have to sit in a queue to wait for one! Then when you finally get to the shops, there’s another queue for a simple (but life saving at this point!) cup of coffee at EVERY coffee shop in town and then to top it all the gift you were looking forward to buying with every inch of your heart and soul is out of stock!!!

Ok....breathe....I know, that even just thinking about all of that is raising your blood pressure! So, that brings me to my tips for today. Well, it’s more about finding peace in a potentially stressful and busy period. Now, if you are one of those people who just got an irresistible urge to punch me for even suggesting such a thing, you may need to have a camomile tea (or something stronger!) and read on ...

• There’s a lot to be said for online shopping, no parking issues, no queues and no shortage of preferred beverages! 
• When you do go to town, go early or super late so you can rush round and get what you need quickly. If you’re concerned about stock levels, phone ahead.
•  Change your intention.... so for example, when you go shopping, plan some me time! Stop off at a really lovely coffee shop on route and take a magazine or your favourite book. Don’t forget to allow your senses to take in the decorations and the Christmas music. Enjoy the moment!
•  Arrange to do some shopping and then meet a friend for lunch and a catch up. 
•  Diffusing essential oils can be so calming for the whole family. What better oil than Frankincense which is both calming and immune boosting. Perfect for the time of year! Or try some lavender which won't break the bank. 
•  Work as a team, get your other half  or granny,  to watch the children so you can get a few jobs done on your own. Have a swap with a friend so you take turns. Have a bath and light a few candles even. You don’t have to use the time for wrapping or shopping!
•  There’s an expression a friend of mine uses a lot ‘fail to plan, plan to fail’. It’s so true and it really does reduce stress to make a plan in a quiet moment, so that we don’t forget anything....including me time!
•   I also believe that all the family need some downtime during this period. Children too get tired and stressed from too many parties and too many sugary foods and drinks which over stimulate and then children can’t sleep, get grumpy and come down with a virus! Increase citrus fruits at this time of year for all and ensure plenty of rest. Watch Christmas movies together and have a bowl of fruit and nuts and even a chocolate fondue (Green & Black’s 70%) so that you can dip fruits and avoid crisps etc. (Seriously, avoid sugars and you will have happier children and happier mums and dads!)
•  Invest in a slow cooker. These are a life saver for busy families and mean the difference between a nourishing stew and a desperate pizza moment!
•   Batch cook soups, shepherd’s pies and good nourishing meals for the freezer for the days when you are too tired/busy to cook.
•  Involve children in baking mince pies etc. If they’re helping mum, they’re not trying to kill each other in the other room!
• Wrap your presents as you go (ok...I’ve never done this, but sensible people tell me it’s all worthwhile!)
•  If you’re tightly planned and super organised you can book yourself a treat at a massage therapist or whatever therapy you like.
• Organise a grocery shop online to be delivered in time for Christmas to save last minute panics!
• Many houses now (or is that just my neighbourhood?!) go a bit over the top with the decorations! Perfect! Get your other half to drive or walk the children round the houses for some free entertainment while you have a few minutes to yourself. You could even print out our scavenger hunt below to make sure they take their time looking.