Christmas can be a strange and weird time of the year. It can also be a really stressful time at work and at home, especially when you throw family into the mix! Routines are tossed out the window as school holidays start, trading hours are extended and social gatherings ramp up. The weather takes a turn for the warmer (or colder for our northern hemisphere friends).  Before you know it, it’s Christmas complete with gifts, expectations and for some people exhaustion and maybe even overwhelm.

Over the years I’ve embraced a calmer and simpler approach to the Christmas season and have tried to focus on helping my family and myself enjoy our time together.

My approach is centred around a few key themes:

Family and friends. Instead of gifts, we focus on spending time together. Cousins reconnecting and catching up, making time to catch up with each other sharing meals together. We aim for simple, easy to share meals.

Creating memories. My sisters and I all love taking and sharing photos. Photo books, framed prints and capturing the moment are all super popular in my family. Sometimes we also just live in the moment. Laughing, chatting and just spending time together. No photos, selfies or pressure to be looking your best! Just enjoying each others company and creating great memories together.

Less focus on gifts – more focus on the thought that goes into the gift. I have always loved taking the time to create or select the ‘perfect’ gift. Nowadays, my focus is on creating gifts that have meaning or buying gifts that can used and are ethically made.

How does you  celebrate and make the most out of the Christmas or holiday season?

Enjoy xx