It’s that time of year again! And while we all love Christmas, no one can deny that it can get a little stressful at times.

Meal planning, making travel plans and buying gifts on a budget can leave any family feeling the strain. So here are six tips to survive the silly season and to keep your sanity during this festive time!

Take a Step Back

When things get too much (which they will!) take a breather. Put everything aside and go for a walk or a drive to clear your mind. The mess, the chaos and the problems will still be there when you get back but hopefully you will be in a better frame of mind to tackle them.

Make a Plan

The best way to tackle a crazy time is to have a clear direction. Make to-do lists, plan what needs to be done well in advance and always schedule in room for changes, setbacks and sick days. Delegate jobs and ask your family for help. You don’t have to do everything yourself!

Smile and Nod

Christmas time is all about family and friends which means you are going to have a lot of visitors. This can mean a lot of opinions flying around about what to get the kids, what to eat, what to do, etc. Instead of starting a fight, compromise, smile and nod. This is a classic trick we have developed with my extended family to stop fights from happening. Sure, you don’t agree with anything your brother is saying but its okay. Just smile and nod. And have another drink.

Hide the Skinny Jeans

It’s Christmas. You are allowed to indulge in decadent desserts and drinks. Prevent the stress of gaining a wee bit of weight by hiding your extra skinny jeans until the New Year. Opt for maxi dresses, free flowing skirts and comfortable beachwear.

Learn to Laugh at the Situation

When the turkey is burnt, Grandma is passed out drunk on the sofa and the kids have the stomach flu on Christmas Eve, you have two options you can either hole up in your room and cry about how Christmas is ruined, or you can accept the things you cannot change and laugh about it. We prefer the latter.