Coping with anxiety ahead of Christmas

Minding ourselves throughout Christmas is important, as one of our former service users, Paula, shares with us here.

While the festive season marks a fun and exciting time for many people, it can be more difficult for others. Since Christmas can be an anxious time, I thought I’d share some hints I found helpful to reduce that anxiety.

Tips for Christmas anxiety

Plan ahead

Plan your Christmas events in advance of the big day. Make out a list of what you would need or like to do, so you don’t forget anything: this can include who to give cards to, who to phone or email to wish a happy Christmas, or who to call into for a visit, if you like to do that.

Remember your value, not that of your gifts

Don’t worry too much about giving presents. If you can’t afford to buy expensive presents, then just give something very small: a token is all people ever want, and many people, even close friends and family, are delighted you remembered them at all. Generally, very few people expect presents and many others are just happy to see you.

It’s you they value, not the present!

If you’re a good cook, you’ll really be in demand! Some people make super cakes and puddings, and are the envy of their friends. If you can make anything at all - mince pies, trifles, or apple tarts - everyone will be delighted. These homemade gifts are treasured by the people you visit. Homemade cakes can be so much nicer than the shop-bought ones (of course, having said that, many of us are delighted with bought ones too!).

Give to others

Do something for someone else over Christmas. Carol singing or collecting for charity helps other people and makes you feel better in yourself too. Giving to other people - whether through your time or effort - can really help your self-image: the focus goes from you to them, and you become the helper, as well as the person who is being helped.

You could also get involved in a charity of your choice, particularly one that enables you to use your skills or interests. Perhaps, for example, you could get involved in a soup run, if you like to make sandwiches or cook soup. The beauty is that, by joining a charity at Christmas, you often can stay with them all year round and experience how good it feels first-hand to help other people. 

Spend time with others

It can be nice to use the holidays to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in ages, who will probably be delighted to meet up with you too. They will be glad of this opportunity to see you, share their news, and hear any news you may have yourself. If, like most people, your funds are limited, you can do things that are free or nearly free with friends. An example might be a stroll around an art gallery or museums, with a nice chat over a coffee afterwards. A trip to the cinema is another favourite activity over Christmas. There are lots of ‘feel-good’ movies out there around this time, and it’s a reasonably inexpensive leisure activity.

Avoid crowds

If you find that crowds make you anxious, you can plan your activities or meet your friends at off-peak times also: most people are happy to do this. For example, you can go somewhere at an off-peak time, choosing a quieter day (such as avoiding meeting up on Christmas Eve), and even booking your place online so you don’t have to worry about queueing.

Season's greetings

I hope these suggestions are helpful to you, and help to reduce your anxiety a bit: I have tried them out myself, and they really do help.

I hope this Christmas brings you health, happiness and all the good things you could wish for yourself.

Paula

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The views and opinions expressed here are the author's own.