Many Australians are heading into their first Christmas with family and friends since the pandemic and emotional and financial stress is tipped to hit an all-time high this year.
“Christmas decorations and retail offers started early this year in anticipation of a big festive shopping season. While this is exciting, it has also amped up the level of stress and angst that a lot of people are already starting to experience,” Tracey Horton said.
Horton is a world-leading keynote speaker, best-selling author, thought leader, mental health expert and growth coach who delivers one-on-one life coaching, a range of highly popular self-help courses for individuals and advises businesses on how to better support people in the workplace.
“There is a lot of pressure on people to spend big this year and also catch up with a lot of friends and family due to lost time,” Horton added.
“As a result, are going to see a lot of stressed and traumatised people this festive season. The important thing for people is to step back and properly assess the period ahead and look at ways to start cutting back on things that are going to cause stress and prepare to make things as comfortable, affordable, easy and enjoyable as possible.
“People need to make sure they have appropriate support and where needed, reach out to others to talk. I encourage people to talk their situation over with loved ones so everyone can work together to make things easier.
“Space is important too. This year will be very busy for many, and it is important to find some downtime. Meditate every day, go for a walk, or sit in the park. Relaxation and quiet time is important. It helps you to de-stress, relax and recharge so you are able to cope better with challenges.”
Horton has provided some important tips on how to navigate this year’s festive season gift-giving to reduce the stress.
Do a clean-out and donate what you don’t need
“In my household, we have a rule that we must think of those less fortunate than ourselves. This is something I strongly encourage other families to do too and it also helps to get your own house in order and work out who needs what. This helps to reduce the pressure on gift-giving,” Horton said.
“On the first day of November, cull the toys and household items that you have now and donate the things you don’t need to the Smith Family or another cause. We do this every year and this taught our girls that things don’t own them and that in life it is better to be a conduit than a stockpiler. Let the children choose for themselves, remind them of those going without.”
Help others in your family and friend circle
“This year is going to be especially difficult for a lot of people. Look around your family and friend circle to see if there is someone or a family that needs extra support this year. Help them to experience a better Christmas through kindness and support,” Horton said.
“In our family, every year we choose a family in our community; normally someone one of us knows that is going to have a hard time this Christmas and we all (as a whole family) give them a Christmas.
“We all contribute. Last year it was a young family where the dad had an accident and could not work and had no insurance or workers’ compensation. We gave them gifts for all four of them and everything they needed for a Christmas day celebration. The kids get right into it and it is always so special as the recipients are always so grateful.”
Give the gift of time
“With so many people under pressure to buy expensive items and lots of gifts, we can lose track of what really matters in life, and that is caring for and loving each other,” Horton said.
“We are so busy that we don’t get to spend quality time with each other. Instead of spending lots of money on exorbitant gifts, give the gift of time. Offer your grandmother, father, sister or son a card with time vouchers and take them to the park, out for a picnic or to a Tuesday half-price movie together. Spend time together playing cards or board games.
“There are lots of ways we can all give loved ones wonderful presents and they don’t have to cost money, they can simply be the greatest gift of all – time.”
Be sensible with gift-giving
“When it comes to gift giving, give a combination of practical and desired. Children can learn a lot about life when we give them gifts,” Horton said.
“This is especially a great tip for grandparents. As a grandmother, every year I buy all my kids and grandkids certain practical items. It has become a bit of a joke; Nanny bought us hairbrushes or toothbrushes. But then of course they also get something they desire.
“This approach teaches children that the festive season and gift giving is about giving what people need rather than everything they want.”
Experience gifts
“I always recommend buying loved ones’ experiences. One of the best gifts I bought last year was a Brisbane Lions membership for my daughter, hubby and two kids. They got three games to attend for free and 10 percent off food and drinks and the first option for finals tickets. This only cost me $350. I got pictures of the family all season having fun at games,” Horton said.
Appreciate the importance of photos
“As parents, it is always nice to set some family traditions that you can enjoy every year. It is important to have traditions that don’t cost too much money either,” Horton added.
“One of our family traditions is photo frames. I have three photo frames that I bought myself and every year the family update their family photo. Sometime in December, they take the frame without telling me, replace the photo which only costs less than $1.50 at Kmart, wrap it up and give it back to me on Christmas day.
“It is a wonderful gift that fills my heart with joy and only costs the family a few dollars.”
