10 tips to delete Christmas stress!

10 tips to delete Christmas stress!

We are in the last week before Christmas - can you feel your stress rising?!

I know you are flat-out busy, so I'm not going to ramble, rather I'm going to cut to the chase and give you 10 tips to help you de-stress Christmas this week!

Hopefully they will give you a few ideas to help with those finishing touches AND give you a little peace of mind that good enough is good enough!

1 - CHRISTMAS TREE ALTERNATIVES!

If you've been so busy you haven't even put up a Christmas tree - don't worry!

If you’ve got a green thumb and you love caring for plants, why not get yourself a small potted evergreen tree this Christmas?

OR - take a look at alternative Christmas trees on google, and you'll find anything from a chalkboard version (see the picture), or tyre stacking, using pallets, books and more!

2 - 'SPRUCING' UP YOUR TRADITIONAL TREE

if you are looking for some more sustainable or just alternative ways to decorate your tree this year -or- haven't had time to get that 'this year's special ornament' here is a great idea!

add simple & scented DIY tree ornaments using the recipe below!...

SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS WITH OILS

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup salt

3/4 cup - 1 cup of warm water

combine ingredients together into a dough
using a rolling pin, flatten to 1/8 inch
using cookie cutters, mugs or handprints, create shapes & holes
place in oven at 100 degrees for 2 hours
once dry, colour and decorate - or simply add oils & hang on tree or use as gift toppers!

3 - GIFT WRAPPING PAPER PANIC

Did you know...that apparently we all use enough Christmas wrapping paper that we could wrap it around the entire globe!

If you want to reduce your wrapping footprint - have run out and are panicking - or simply want to try something a little different - here are some ideas:

- children's artworks - baskets - brown paper - tote bags - cotton

4 - TOXIN-FREE FRAGRANCED GIFTS!

Often when we've forgotten a gift, or realised last minute we need just one more - the easiest ones to buy are fragranced.

The word "fragrance" is riddled in many of our commercial products; beauty, skincare, body, bath/shower products, makeup, perfume & more and unfortunately isn't good for our health. We will never know the ingredients that hide behind the label because it's a trade-secret to many companies... aka; toxin-bomb.

To help you be intentional with the beauty/body products you gift this year, my favourite clean brand Young Living offer a huge range of natural alternatives including: diffusers, makeup, bath bombs, skincare, essential oils, face masks, foot scrubs and more.

That said if you've missed the boat on these and it's too late to order, make up some unscented potpourri or bath salts with your own YL essential oil, pop it in an organza bag or jar, and voila - a gorgeous fragranced gift - that has none of the toxic nasties - and probably saved you lots of money - whilst giving the recipient a gift from your DIY heart ;)

5 - KEEP THE KIDS BUSY WITH A NATURAL DIY CRAFT

Keeping the little ones occupied while doing last-minute wrapping and baking can be tricky and kids LOVE playdough - so having the ability to give them a natural & friendly version is perfect!

Try the recipe below, and then watch your kids become excited and energised (citrus aromas) or calm and relaxed (lavender aromas)!

NATURAL PLAYDOUGH

2 cups flour

1/2 cup salt

2 tbsp olive oil &

2 tbsp cream tartar

add 1 & 1/4 cups of boiling water to the dry mixture
stir until combined & then split into thirds
add food colouring, oils, petals or other decorations
store in air-tight jar in fridge

for the oils - maybe a combination of ‘Christmas Spirit’, ‘Orange’ and ‘Lavender’ and in each jar put in things like lavender springs, petals, cinnamon etc - these make great gift ideas too!

6 - KEEP YOUR ENERGY UP WITH A NUTRITIOUS & NATURAL FESTIVE DRINK!

This week will be tiring and then on Christmas Day - rushing from house to house, eating beautiful filling meals & your social energy depletes as time goes on.

Stay lively and look after your body in the best way with Ningxia Red, instead of reaching for those nasty energy drinks. this is a great tool to keep you accountable through your New Years resolutions too!

Learn more about my favourite drink on 'My Favourite Things' page!

7 - MAKE TIME FOR 'ME TIME'

Make time for “me” time.

While holiday time is traditionally family time, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some peace and quiet to yourself.

Do something that makes you feel rejuvenated so you have more to give to others. Maybe a soothing bubble bath or a date with a good book.

8 - SAY HO, HO, NO

In other words, set boundaries so you’re not trying to take on more than you can handle.

You may find that letting go of some holiday traditions is just what you need to fall in love with the season again.

Give yourself permission to decline activities you dread and make your own holiday magic—even if it involves skipping presents or (gasp) ditching the decorations.

9 - ENJOY YOURSELF

The holidays are supposed to be fun, not stressful!

Get in a celebratory spirit by surrounding yourself with the scents of the season—cheery citrus and warm spice. A few drops of Christmas Spirit, Stress Away™, and Orange essential oils can go a long way to boosting your festive vibes!

Then turn up the volume on your favourite song playlist and get those citrus vibes dancing!