We all know how stressful Christmas can be trying to get the right present for the right person, trying to impress folk by having them over for a Festive soirée, being caught in prolonged confined spaces with the outlaws, the list goes on. To take as much stress out of the Yuletide as humanly possible, we’ve sort the wise counsel and words of wisdom of some of the best brains around. A selection of learned minds and experts in such fields as Nutritionalists, Professors of sleep (honestly), some of the biggest and best names in blogging (hmmm who all happen to be women, what does that tell you?), ohhh and Dom and Steph, from Googkebox, naturally ! Who else do you really need to survive the Nightmare before, or during, Christmas ?
“prepare, prepare, prepare! Read every gift guide going and make huge amounts of lists. Work your way through them and reward yourself when you’ve ticked them off. Shoes or wine works for me.”
Erica Davies, founder of fashion and lifestyle blog The Edited.
“Spending that little extra on an organic or free-range turkey is certainly worth it. Not only is it ethically sourced, it will also have better nutritional benefits and deliver on flavour. Then, stuff the cavity of the turkey with herbs, citrus fruits, and an onion to add flavour. However, it is important to ensure there is space for heat to circulate. To make the stuffing seasonal, add some festive favourites such as cranberries, chestnuts, sage and clementine zest. Lastly, don’t dispose of the caramelised juices left behind by the turkey as they make the perfect base for the gravy. Adding Madeira, a tbsp of plain flour and quality stock to it will make your gravy rich and delicious.”
Steve Smith is the Head Chef at the Michelin starred Bohemia, which is the only restaurant in the Channel Islands to be listed in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants.
“Grab a notepad and divide into everyday in December morning, afternoon and evening. Then write down everything you need to do – include what to buy, events, days out, family visits – literally everything and by what date. That why you won’t forget anything and each day you’ll know what you need to achieve. I would also schedule in time to yourself – and understand that this is just a reminder schedule not a must-do. Learning to be satisisfied with ‘good enough’ is never truer at Christmas. Your wrapping/tree/meal may not be perfect but if your with your friends and family does it matter?”
Bonita Turner, Freelance Shopping Editor and blogger at mamasVIB
Professor Colin Espie, give you his top 5 tips on how to get kids off to sleep before Santa drops in for his milk and cookies.
“1. Be active during the day, 2. Stick to bedtime routines and rituals, 3. Act before your child gets overtired, 4. Give them plenty of notice & 5. And if all else fails…With a house full of guests, your child may understandably feel as though they are missing out on all the excitement by going up to bed. If you’ve followed the tips above and still have a stubborn and weary young one hanging onto the bannisters in protest, the suggestion that Father Christmas only leaves presents for children who are asleep might just be enough incentive to encourage lights out.”
Professor Colin Espie, is a professor of sleep medicine at the University of Oxford and co-founder of Big Health, a digital health company.
“This year for me it’s all about preparation. And I don’t mean buying extra wrapping paper, I mean preparing myself for the hectic festive season by getting on the yoga mat and investing in some ‘me time’ now. I love Christmas, sometimes a bit too much, and having spent a lot of energy this year on finding a better work/life/party balance I’m taking a steer from the experts and getting myself in a good headspace with restorative yoga and healing facials at Good Vibes this month so that I’m in the best place to take on the back-to-back parties, ‘one-for-the-road’ peer pressure, family politics, beige buffets, the mother-in-law, the M6, Westfield….”
Toni Jones, Journalist, Travel and Lifestyle Blogger, Founder of Detox|Retox
“Having a laugh is one of the best remedies for stress – it triggers healthy changes in our body. Many studies show that laughter boosts our energy, decreases stress hormones, improves immunity and diminishes pain. But what’s very important for anyone, who is stressed, laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals that make us happier and relaxed.”
Dr Marilyn Glenville, UK’s leading nutritionist and author of ‘Natural Alternatives to Sugar’
“I think there’s too much pressure put on the big day, which gets people flustered and stressed out in the lead up to Christmas. That’s why I believe in spreading the festivities over the season and avoiding the hype. A feast at the grandparents later on in the week, a day out at Winter Wonderland, carols in candlelight, pub night with the mums… it becomes about the Christmas season and not the ‘perfect’ Christmas day.”
Yvadney Davis, Kids Fashion Stylist and Blogger, http://styleafternine.com/
“Get some exercise – even a short walk in the fresh air can help to reduce stress levels. Walk briskly to help increase endorphin levels.”
Shona Wilkinson, nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com
“Dilute the habitual behaviour, invite waifs and strays into the warmth of your household.” TV’s Dom & Steph, from Channel4’s Googlebox.
“Buy all your pressies throughout the year when you see them so you don’t have a last minute panic. (Extra tip: try not to use them all yourself in the meantime.) If in doubt, just buy a copy of my book, The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman – perfect for men, women and children everywhere! I also love a gospel choir. Great for families, you can’t beat a chorus of My Sweet Lord to banish the winter blues!”
Navaz Batliwalla, fashion editor, author and Disneyrollergirl blogger.
Jeez is it just me or do we seem to be hurtling towards the season of goodwill to all men, by all men and goodwill I mean if you have a lil look below and follow our advice or the season of good will won’t include you man ! I promise this isn’t some stark warning from the ghost of Christmas future, this is from personal experience, a blender, no matter how nice, doesn’t cut it. Even if those beautiful creatures we choose to share our lives with, might say, I’d really like one of those. They don’t mean it for Christmas, I promise, honestly, trust me.
