We can all agree that the Pandemic of 2020 affected our traditional winter holiday. Many of us had our annual fun taken away with government mandated social distancing and safety issues. Nonetheless, last Christmas was also a perfect time for many of us to step back, relax, and rejuvenate while we spent our traditional holiday with our close family.

But for those who were stuck at home alone, Christmas didn’t have the same feeling. That said, many of us desperately want to make this year the best Christmas of our lives. It’s time for us to get over our pandemic blues and have a fun-filled winter holiday.

Start With A Different Perspective

First things first – you have to start preparing for the holidays right way, so you can make the most of it, and there is no better way to start than with Christmas decorations. Check out the amazing Christmas baubles at Christmas Elves. Christmas décor sets the tone and mood of the festivity while spreading happy and festive vibes all around the house.

Understandably, people put loads of effort into making the interior and exterior living space more comfy, vibrant, and Christmas-ready. That said, often, when things don’t go their way, they become frustrated, angry, and even depressed. If you are looking for a happier, more relaxed, and essentially stress-free Christmas, we recommend that you let go of your inner perfectionist. Instead of trying to control each and every aspect of the holiday, learn to let go, embrace the fact that not everything can go as planned, and tune into Zen mode while accepting non-perfection this year.

Factor In Your Own Needs

How many Christmases have you spent so far ignoring your needs and focusing on what others might want from you (as presents) while rushing through things, such as setting up a Christmas tree and wrapping up presents, decorating the interior and exterior of your home in the last minutes? Working against a tight deadline can send your body and mind in a constant survival or flight-or-fight mode, which then is the cause of more stress hormones, sleepless nights, stress acne, and overall mental and physical exhaustion.

One simple tip is that you start with Christmas decorations earlier, at least one month before, instead of leaving everything for the last moment. Then, give yourself time to prepare amazing Christmas meals. If you are planning to have guests over, you can ask them to bring desserts.

Wrap a Present for Yourself

At Christmas, we tend to focus a lot on the happiness of others and how we can contribute to their happiness. However, we recommend that you give yourself a Christmas present too. If we look at things realistically, we see that there is only one person you are truly responsible for in your life, and that person is you!

Yes, we know that Christmas is a time to share and give to others, and we totally encourage you to do so. However, you need some self-love too, and by giving yourself a present, you can reduce much of your future stress, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a solid present.

You could plan ahead to pay your annual taxes or fix something around the house that needs your attention, such as a bathroom door. You could also take some time out to detox from negativities and look at Christmas as the perfect retreat! You could also focus on your physical, mental, and emotional health. That said, this Christmas is all about breaking free from tradition and looking at things from a different perspective.