A Down-to-Earth Guide
Ah, the holiday season. It’s the most wonderful time of the year—or so the songs keep telling us. But let’s be honest, it’s also the time when you’ve got a to-do list longer than Santa’s, everyone’s in your space, and you’re one mince pie away from losing it over a burnt turkey. Sound familiar?
Keeping a positive mindset over the holidays isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely worth it. So, grab a brew, put your feet up, and let’s chat about how you can keep your head straight and enjoy the festive chaos—northern style.
1. Lower the Bar (No, Lower)
Forget about creating the “perfect Christmas.” You’re not in a John Lewis advert, and nobody’s grading your wrapping skills. If you can get the family together without a full-blown argument and the sprouts on the table before they’re soggy, you’re winning.
Top Tip: Focus on what really matters—spending time with the people you care about, not whether the crackers match the tablecloth. Trust me, nobody’s going to remember the colour scheme when the dog’s nicked the cheese board.
2. Gratitude with a Dash of Realism
We all know gratitude’s good for us—it’s like kale for your brain. But let’s keep it real. You don’t have to feel grateful for every single thing. Start small. Like, “I’m grateful the cat hasn’t knocked the tree over yet,” or “I’m thankful for this cup of tea that’s still warm.”
Challenge Yourself: Before bed, think of three things that made you smile during the day. And yes, it can include finishing that Quality Street tub without judgment.
3. Learn to Say ‘No’ (Politely, of Course)
You don’t have to go to every event or say yes to every request. It’s not about being Scrooge; it’s about keeping your sanity. If your mate’s insisting you join them for “just a quick drink” when you’ve got a million things to do, it’s okay to say, “Nah, I’m good.”
Northern Wisdom: Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you a clever one. Besides, they’ll get over it—and you’ll have time to watch “Only Fools and Horses” in peace.
4. Feel the Feels
Not every day’s going to be full of festive cheer, and that’s fine. Missing someone? Overwhelmed? It’s all part of being human. Give yourself permission to feel it, and don’t bottle it up.
What Helps: Talk to someone who gets it, have a cry if you need to, or just go for a walk to clear your head. Sometimes, you’ve just got to let it out so you can move on.
5. Move Your Body (Even If It’s Just to the Fridge)
It’s tempting to hibernate on the sofa with a blanket and a tin of Roses, but moving a bit does wonders for your mood. A quick walk, a kitchen dance-off, or even stretching your legs while you’re hunting for the remote can make a difference.
Bonus: Walking the dog means fresh air and a break from the family chaos. Don’t have a dog? Borrow one. Dogs are like magic for your mindset.
6. Give a Little (It’s Not About the Price Tag)
It’s not about splashing the cash; it’s about thoughtfulness. A handwritten note, a cuppa with someone who needs a chat, or even just holding the door open can make a world of difference.
Northern Kindness: Kindness costs nowt, and it feels good to do. Plus, it’s a reminder that the little things can mean the most.
7. Take a Breather
If things get too much, give yourself permission to step away. A quiet five minutes with a brew or just staring out the window can do wonders for resetting your head.
Quick Fix: Try this: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, and breathe out for 6. Repeat a few times, and you’ll feel calmer in no time. (And no, it’s not daft—it works.)
Final Thought
Look, Christmas isn’t about being perfect. It’s about laughing at the chaos, embracing the imperfections, and making memories (even if those memories include your uncle nodding off mid-dinner). Be kind to yourself, give yourself a break, and focus on the bits that bring you joy—however small they are.
And remember, a positive mindset doesn’t mean forcing yourself to be happy all the time. It’s about choosing to focus on the good, even when it feels like the world’s gone crackers (pun absolutely intended).
