Festive pressures

It’s just occurred to me that no one gets out of festive pressures 😔

Pressure to be on the nice list.

As soon as we’re aware of what’s going on around us there’s a pressure to be good before Christmas, pressure to make sure we’re on the nice list!

Soon after younger children have the pressure of social dancing at the Christmas party (even though as adults we now all love it). Learning lines for the Christmas show or at least songs for the same.

Pressure to conform.

Teenagers have social pressures of having the right attire for Christmas social occasions, gift buying for friends and the pressure of the secret Santa. Our own son has had the pressure of prelims before Christmas this year, and let me tell you, it’s not fun!

Pressure to perform.

All adults have a pressure to perform. Christmas nights out, work related, friends or family. As much as these should be enjoyable occasions they can bring some stress, what to wear, how much will we spend, do I have time for a hangover 🫣

Keeping up with the Jones’s.

Social media has opened up a world of winter wonderlands. From decorations to table settings, the aesthetic has become as important as the people around your table.

Realism.

Well here I am, saying that my house will be clean and merry, my kids will take part in what they want but have their own time when they need that too. I might not have special festive crockery, or Santa and the reindeer in my garden, but I have an open door policy, comfies allowed! We always have tea, coffee, milk and biscuits on offer.

I can say I do a mean Christmas dinner, including my dads recipe trifle. I’m happy with that, and I know the people around my table this Christmas will be too!

Fully booked.

Our phone has been ringing off the hook with people wondering if there’s any availability to freshen up certain rooms before Christmas. I’ve felt bad saying we’re fully booked into February, but I can control the pressure we put the business under before Christmas. Work life balance is all important!

I know 100% that the memories we’ll make this year won’t include how the paint or paper looked on the walls, they probably won’t even include the gifts we give and receive. They will be of the people we surround ourselves with.

So please remember that when it all gets too much, if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that people are more important than anything you could give or receive. (And also book far in advance for November/December. It really is our busiest time! 😉)