How do you stop yourself feeling overwhelmed at this time of year?

[SleighBellsRing]

Morning all,

I'm usually all about Christmas and everything it involves but this year I am just feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. I work full-time, I'm studying and have two very busy secondary school aged children. We are flying 'home' in 10 days time so I need to start thinking about packing too. I can't help feeling like I'm doing a rubbish job at work and at home whereas I'm normally full of energy and on top of everything! My husband is amazing and will do whatever needs doing including school runs, shopping, taking the children wherever they need to be, cleaning but I'm still the one who carries the mental load.

So how do you stop yourself getting burnt out at this time of year?

Downsize and delegate.
My 11year old offered to write all the cards this year so I gave her the address book and let her get on with it.
Do what you want to, not what you feel you should.

Pick and choose, will it matter if I don't do this?

Do the essentials like buying presents bit by bit, online is so much less overwhelming without the people and Christmas music in shops. Don't send cards if you don't feel like it, send thoughtful texts and people will know you're thinking about them anyway. Don't stress about Christmas food, you can buy really nice ready to roast potatoes and stuffing etc. Switch the radio off and play your own music. Keep your daily activities normal until Christmas Eve.

Can you tell I've been where you are?!

Big note book.

Make it into a weekly calendar until Christmas

Write everything you have to do/buy/book

Divide up into 2-3 things per day

Shopping lists at back

On line gift list - note order number in notebook-tick off as delivered.

Cards only for elderly folks who might expect them

Buy these hessian sacks for children wrap gifts as they come in and place in sack once wrapped -so easy to find everything on Christmas eve.

Menu plan with the whole family -it's suprising how much stuff we buy/cook because it is expected and nobody actually likes it.This way every one has a say and gets their favourite food at some point.

Clear out fridge/freezer now so you can start buying things with good dates on them or freeze.

I work F/T four DCs - but the list system of 3-4 things per day really works -lunch hour -or a quick dash into post office/supermarket when I finish work -usually quiet at 5-30-6pm even at this time of year.

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I have written down a massive to do list of absolutely everything that needs to be done in the next 10 days before we fly. I have postponed one night out until January and combined having guests over with something else to make it easier. I'm going to split the list down into daily tasks as suggested. Saying no to any cards this year.

Oh and I went for a long walk to clear my head! Must make that a regular thing in the next few weeks as I already feel better.

Thanks for your idea bebesequin you have inspired me to start a to do list!