Stay jolly in the festive season

Avoid relationship and financial stress by planning ahead and setting limits

- SUSAN HELY

When I once moved house just before Christmas, I had furniture that didn't fit into the new W home. So, I arranged for the local furniture consignment store to sell it.

The owner told me that just after Christmas was their busiest time because relationships go up in smoke over the festive season. People move out and need furniture and whitegoods to set up on their own.

That is when I found out that December is known as 'break-up month'.

For some families, there isn't a lot of joy at Christmas. Counselling services and family lawyers report an uptick in people wanting their services over the Christmas period. Some lawyers say divorce is seasonal and call January their busiest month.

Then I once moved house just before Christmas, I had furniture that didn't fit into the new

Reassess a relationship

There are many reasons for breaking up. For those who have been mulling over their misery in a relationship in the months leading up to Christmas, the new year represents a new start and an opportunity for a happier life.

Also, the festive season can be stressful - physically, emotionally and financially.

Celebrations can be hard work, particularly for the hosts, who are DR bringing together families with different expectations and traditions. There can be tensions all around, particularly for the partners of people with second or third families. Not surprisingly, resentments and tempers boil over.

It is a reminder to take it easy over the festive season. Don't overdo it. If your relationship is limping along and you don't want it to end, it could be time to focus on what might help revive it.

Talking to a non-judgmental counsellor can be an efficient way to process what is going on.

It is easy to get frazzled in the lead up to Christmas, as you busily finish off work before the office closes and rush around to end-of-year, alcohol-fuelled social events.