Less Hassle More Happiness

Discover clever ways to hold on to the magic, and let go of the overload that makes you feel you need another holiday by the end of December

- Anna Moore

 Does it have to be you who decorates the house, buys the presents, then wraps them, plans the menu and rises at dawn to put the bird in the oven? If you find yourself doing almost everything, then try these tips to master the tricky art of successful delegating.

WHAT’S STOPPING YOU?

Start by addressing the reasons why Christmas has become a one-woman show in your household. Many of us end up doing nearly everything because it seems quicker and easier than asking for help – which may be true in the short-term, but if you establish new habits and distribute responsibilities, you’ll be saving time and energy in the future. In fact, your family might like the chance to be more involved in the festive preparations – especially if it saves you from transforming into a harried harpy by Boxing Day.

If it’s your perfectionist tendencies that have led you to take on the lion’s share of the work, try to recognise them. Accepting a few flaws at Christmas time is crucial to upping your enjoyment and reducing stress. These are the facts: the Christmas-tree tinsel will shed on the floor; someone won’t eat the Brussels sprouts (even organic ones, tossed with bacon); there will be some arguments, mess and disappointments. Accepting this from the start will help you to stop putting yourself under pressure to produce the perfect Christmas.

EXPLAIN WHY IT MATTERS

Accept the fact that you may actually care more than your other ‘team members’.