Christmas is one of the most stressful times of the year. Families spend months arguing about their plans for the festive season and how many gifts to buy. However, with a little preparation, you can make your Christmas magical and relaxed. Once you remove the pressure from Christmas, you can start to enjoy the wonderful time of year.
Here are a few ways to have A stress-free Christmas.
1. Prepare food the day before
Christmas Day can get very hectic. Try to prepare as much as possible the day before – like chopping the veg and setting the table. Make a list of timings for Christmas dinner, so you have an exact schedule to follow. The turkey will take a few hours in the oven, so you need to organise everything else around that.

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2. Delegate!
If you are having lots of people over for dinner, ask them to bring food. Different people can make canapes, starters, desserts and snacks. You can take care of the main meal in your kitchen. Delegating a few tasks here and there can make your life so much easier throughout the day. Ask your guests for help throughout the day – whether it’s washing dishes or carving the turkey.
3. Set everyone’s expectations
Everyone should have clear expectations for the day. Ask guests with specific dietary requirements to bring their own food. Or, you could buy a pre-made nut roast if multiple vegetarians and vegans are at the table. Try to make the dinner as easy as possible.
Set a spending limit on the price of gifts so everyone can get involved. After a tough two years, some people might be struggling with money at the moment. Make the budget clear, so no one feels left out or embarrassed.
4. Go out for dinner

If you hate cooking, book Christmas dinner at your local pub instead. You can enjoy a few drinks with your neighbours and let someone else handle the turkey. It’s your Christmas too. You can sit back and enjoy a meal with your family instead of running around in the kitchen. Delightful.
5. Have a movie day
Switch things up this Christmas, and organise a Christmas movie day instead. You can make a new tradition and spend the entire day in your pyjamas with the family. Watch your favourite movies, eat sweets and enjoy a more relaxed festival.
Have fun and leave the festive stress behind.
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