Christmas doesn’t create stress — our thoughts about Christmas create stress.
The busier life gets, the louder the inner chatter becomes.

At Christmas, people say things to themselves like:

• “I should be happier.”
• “I’m not doing enough.”
• “Everyone else has it sorted except me.”
• “This has to be perfect.”

This inner Grinch steals the joy of the season.
But we can flip it — quickly and powerfull!

The Christmas Mindset Shift

Tool 1: Become Your Own Christmas Coach

Instead of:

“I can’t cope — everything’s going wrong.”

Say:

“Deirdre, you’re doing your best. Christmas is about connection, not perfection.”

Example:
You burn the roasties?
stick on your favourite Christmas song, start again

Tool 2: The January Test

When you start spiralling, ask yourself:
“Will this matter in mid-January?”
99% of the time — no.

Example:
A relative makes a half-snide comment?
In January, you won’t even remember it.
Instant relief.

Tool 3: Shift Your State

Your environment affects your thoughts.
A quick physical or sensory shift snaps you out of overthinking.

Try:

• Step outside into the cold for 2 minutes
• Put on a song that changes your emotional temperature
• Light a candle

Example:
Kids shouting, dinner burning, phone buzzing — step outside, breathe, re-enter with new energy.

Tool 4: The Christmas Permission Slip

Give yourself permission to:

• Not be perfect
• Say no
• Simplify gifts
• Attend fewer events
• Protect your peace
• Do Christmas in your own way

Example:
“This year I’m choosing presence over pressure.”

Your 3-Step Christmas Solution

1. Catch the Inner Grinch
Notice when your thinking goes negative.

2. Coach Yourself Kindly
Speak to yourself the way you’d speak to someone you adore.

3. Choose People Over Perfection
Ask: “What actually matters today?”
The answer is usually: the moment, the connection, the feeling — not the job list.