As you plunge into your Christmas celebrations, here are our tried and tested top tips for surviving the festive season. Happy Christmas from all of us at Noon!
As we get older, we understand more about the meaning of Christmas … and that is “Get through Christmas without being exhausted, emotionally wrung-out or depressed.”
The other goal of course is to have a holiday season that’s meaningful. Here, the insider tips from the NOON team.
And if all else fails, take our Picture Editor Alison’s advice: “I would suggest long walks and a partner who cooks everything. Plus, gin.”
Queenager Christmas Do’s
- DO deliver the rituals that matter. (Ask your partner, children and family what rituals matter most to them, so you can prioritise the important ones.)
- DO what brings you joy. Focus on what you want to sustain or create, and what works for the people you love and are spending the time with. Turbot instead of turkey? Yes! Trifle instead of Christmas pud? Absolutely!
- DO try to create at least one shared moment with the whole family – decorate the tree, do a jigsaw, watch a movie, play a game all the family can join, organise a silly round of beer pong, walk the dog…. It doesn’t matter what. It’s the connections that are important and give space for more meaningful conversations.
- DO accept the chaos as part of the fun (if you relax about it). There’s no such thing as perfection – except on a Christmas card.
- DO start gathering and storing gift, food and entertainment ideas now (if you haven’t already). It will lessen stress by filling the cupboard.
- DO keep gift-giving in perspective. Hand-made gifts sound lovely but can cause stress levels skyrocket, says Amy, our Social Media Edtior. (“For my birthday at the end of September I got a sewing machine, so I’ve decided to make everyone quilts,” she confesses. “I have never sewn before.”) It really is the thought that counts.
- DO get my mum drunk by midday – then she’s asleep happily. Do get me drunk by tea time – then I’m asleep happily. (This one is from Lucy, head of NOON Consulting. Which may explain why she’s so good at her job….)
- DO embrace a more sustainable Christmas, with planet and people front of mind. Opt for gifting experiences over material items, reducing the consumption of physical resources. Consider subscribing to charities or supporting initiatives that foster hope and well-being. When selecting gifts, carefully evaluate the materials used, and prioritise locally sourced products from independent businesses and farmers’ markets.
- DO say no when you need to. It’s not just OK, but necessary.
- DO carve out moments of self-care – it could be a quiet walk, a favourite book or connecting with supportive friends. Honour your needs to empower yourself to navigate the season with grace and resilience.
- DO get everyone outside at least once a day for fresh air. The sunlight perks everyone up, clears the head and gets the blood pumping.
- DO have ZERO expectations for food, presents, witty company, TV, etc. Then everything is a pleasant surprise.
- DO embrace the power of clear communication and planning. Discuss holiday plans openly with your teenagers, older relatives and extended family, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and that communication is transparent and respectful.
- DO enjoy the time off. So many of us spend Christmas running around, and before you know it, you are exhausted and the time has come to go back to work. Schedule in time for everyone to rest and do something fun and joyful over the festive season
- DO give yourself a big hug whenever you need – or deserve – one.
Queenager Christmas Don’ts
- DON’T try and fix what can’t be fixed. Focus on what you can enjoy and stop trying to please everyone.
- DON’T allow difficult family members to trigger you or draw you out. Setting boundaries is a must. Keep answers polite and short – it’s the only way to survive.
- DON’T get carried away when it comes to spending. Christmas is ONE day. Make a budget a stick to it. That way you don’t start the New Year in debt.
- DON’T be a martyr. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Say yes to help. Share the load.
- DON’T get too hung up on keeping everything the same no matter what. Accept that change is inevitable.
Compiled by Eleanor Mills, founder; Jennifer Howze, Editorial Director; Jocelyn Cripps, NOON marketing advisor; Karen Stenning, Community Director; Amy Yeo, Social Media Editor; Lucy Ryan, Head of Consulting; Diane Kenwood, former Editorial Director; Alison Graham, Picture Editor; Sally Jackson, divorce coach and NOON Circle host; Thelma Mensah, Advisory Board member; Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Advisory Board member.
