I'm sure most of us at one time or other have sung 'Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer'. I know my grandchildren sing it with glee, and the song does have a happy ending! It was first sung back in 1949 when Gene Autry had a massive musical hit with the song and it topped the Christmas Charts selling over 2.5 million copies! It's just one of those songs that many of us like to sing-a-long too ...
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows.
All of the other reindeer
used to laugh and call him names.
They never let poor Rudolph
join in any reindeer games.
Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say:
"Rudolph with your nose so bright,
won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
Then all the reindeer loved him
as they shouted out with glee,
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,
you'll go down in history!
But as I read in a recent article, for some Christmas time is not always easy, and there were some tips that you may find helpful ...
Katie writes "Each year, it gets bigger, brighter, louder and more extravagant, but for some, Christmas isn't always considered the most wonderful time of the year! In fact, for many, Christmas can cause worry, stress and anxiety, with Samaritans reporting a huge increase in phone calls during the festive period.
In order to reduce your Christmas stress, think RUDOLPH!
Relationships! It's the time of year that brings everybody together, but with family gatherings can come arguments. It is worth accepting that there may be squabbles, whether it's over what to watch on telly or who drank the last of the sherry! Try to avoid causes of conflict. Steer clear of conversations that create tension, like the time Aunt Sally forgot to buy Nan a present in 1992!
Unconditional kindness! Help spread the Christmas cheer; random acts of kindness will not only bring joy to others, but will also make you feel good. Try to be grateful and happy, even if you get naf presents.
Delegate and share! Don't try and do everything yourself! Feeling like you've got 101 jobs to do can be extremely stressful, so give everyone something to do. Remember that sharing is caring, don't eat the whole tub of quality streets to yourself! Share the gift experience; things that you receive may also interest others. Remind the children to "let others have a go". Sharing toys and playing games is a great way of bringing people together.
Organise! Christmas can be a daunting prospect, with endless things to do. Preparation is the key to reducing anxiety. Buy presents and wrap them in advance. To avoid panic on the big day, create a schedule, for example what time family will be arriving and when the food needs to be cooked etc. Structuring the day slightly will help you feel more in control and ease with the overall running of the day! Plan an escape if things get too much, such as taking the dog for a walk. Christmas can be rather overwhelming, so take five minutes to get some fresh air and compose yourself!
Limits! Unlike Father Christmas, there is only so much you can do! It is easy to get carried away, buying too many presents, or, going over the top with the decorations, so it's important to know when to stop. Avoid the temptation to do or buy more, don't take laptops, tablets or other devices that enable you to internet shop, to bed, and make sure to sleep. Create a checklist of things that need to be done, and stick to it. Allow time for yourself to enjoy the day, you shouldn't always be busy!
Perfection! Remember that nobody is perfect and you may not always get it right. Whether the turkey is slightly over done, or you bought the wrong size slippers, it doesn't matter! It's the thought that counts!
Happiness! Have fun, that's what Christmas is all about! Try to put worries to the back of your mind. If it helps, write down the things that are bothering you and deal with them another day. Try to relax and be merry! If you are going to drink, do it wisely, there's no harm in enjoying a mince pie ... !"
In order to reduce your Christmas stress, think RUDOLPH!
Relationships! It's the time of year that brings everybody together, but with family gatherings can come arguments. It is worth accepting that there may be squabbles, whether it's over what to watch on telly or who drank the last of the sherry! Try to avoid causes of conflict. Steer clear of conversations that create tension, like the time Aunt Sally forgot to buy Nan a present in 1992!
Unconditional kindness! Help spread the Christmas cheer; random acts of kindness will not only bring joy to others, but will also make you feel good. Try to be grateful and happy, even if you get naf presents.
Delegate and share! Don't try and do everything yourself! Feeling like you've got 101 jobs to do can be extremely stressful, so give everyone something to do. Remember that sharing is caring, don't eat the whole tub of quality streets to yourself! Share the gift experience; things that you receive may also interest others. Remind the children to "let others have a go". Sharing toys and playing games is a great way of bringing people together.
Organise! Christmas can be a daunting prospect, with endless things to do. Preparation is the key to reducing anxiety. Buy presents and wrap them in advance. To avoid panic on the big day, create a schedule, for example what time family will be arriving and when the food needs to be cooked etc. Structuring the day slightly will help you feel more in control and ease with the overall running of the day! Plan an escape if things get too much, such as taking the dog for a walk. Christmas can be rather overwhelming, so take five minutes to get some fresh air and compose yourself!
Limits! Unlike Father Christmas, there is only so much you can do! It is easy to get carried away, buying too many presents, or, going over the top with the decorations, so it's important to know when to stop. Avoid the temptation to do or buy more, don't take laptops, tablets or other devices that enable you to internet shop, to bed, and make sure to sleep. Create a checklist of things that need to be done, and stick to it. Allow time for yourself to enjoy the day, you shouldn't always be busy!
Perfection! Remember that nobody is perfect and you may not always get it right. Whether the turkey is slightly over done, or you bought the wrong size slippers, it doesn't matter! It's the thought that counts!
Happiness! Have fun, that's what Christmas is all about! Try to put worries to the back of your mind. If it helps, write down the things that are bothering you and deal with them another day. Try to relax and be merry! If you are going to drink, do it wisely, there's no harm in enjoying a mince pie ... !"
Now if you may be looking for a great low carb Christmas Pudding recipe ...
... have a look here
it's made using ground almond flour
Enjoy your Christmas Festivities
All the best Jan
12 comments:
Good advice. I think the expectations of the day can cause so many people to become stressed about it. If they only lowered those expectations they'd be so much happier. I see it as a day to spend with family and it's always thoroughly enjoyed.
Great post and advice. I just plan on having a fun time with my family. Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!
I adore listening to the children's Xmas shows. I try to keep chilled at this time of year, and focus on the children. The pudding looks good.
Thanks
Jane:)
What a wise and wonderful post, Jan. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season! A big hug.
Amalia
xo
Is that ice cream, too?
What a great post! Very wise advice!
Oh that Rudolph, he brings us joy every time. :) These are great ideas to help with the planning at Christmas time. What works for me is to try to do everything early - the shopping, the wrapping, sending out cards. Then, I can relax and focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, Jan. I hope you have a special time with your family.
~Sheri
I am one of the remaining few Americans who make a steamed Christmas pudding. My husband still calls it Plum Pudding because that's what his British grandmother called it. (Even though it has no plums in it at all.) And I use her recipe, including ground suet. Oh, and her "hard" sauce with sugar and whiskey.
Good advice for the season.
The strange thing about Rudolph is that - because male reindeer lose there antlers in winter and the pregnant females retain them - Rudolph must be a girl!
Happy Christmas to you, Eddie and your family,
Ray
Who could be stressed with that desert!!
A lot of very sensible advice in that post.
Let's hope I remember it when I'm cooing the dinner and the Bailey's has been opened!
Lisa x
Thank you ALL for your comments, it's always lovely to receive them, and I send my good wishes for the Christmas Season,
Jo
Glad you liked the article - and yes,spending time with family, is just lovely.
Eileen
Yes, there were some good pointers in this article. Enjoy your Christmas - time.
Jane
You can't beat the children's Christmas shows and concerts can you ... quite magical.
Amalia
Glad you liked the article ... my good wishes to you too ... have a lovely Christmas.
Ivy
That is actually a large 'dollop' of extra thick double (heavy) cream, quite scrumptious!
Martha
Glad you liked the post ...
Sheri
Your approach and plans to this wonderful time of year sounds perfect to me ... Many Happy Christmas Wishes.
'NC'
Now when you mention Christmas Pudding, my dear mum used to make a gorgeous one ... in fact she used to make a few at a time and I can remember the 'white cap' made out of old handkerchiefs she used to put on each one prior to steaming them. Happy times, special memories.
Enjoy your Christmas
Ray
Thank you so much for your comment, and the information regarding Rudolph. I know when looking around the inter-net for pictures of 'Rudolph' there were many with just a nice red nose ... and no antlers!
Wishing you and yours a Happy Christmas
Jan and Eddie
Debbie
... it is a lovely dessert too!!
Lisa
Glad you liked the article. Have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy The Bailey's ...
Thank you ALL again for your lovely comments.
May I wish you and all readers a very Happy Christmas - the countdown is on !
All the best Jan
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