Slow down and enjoy the pre-Christmas season

Giving yourself time is one of the best gifts. You can do this in many ways. Why not invite your friends to a brunch in the run-up to Christmas? Many things can be served up in the run-up to Christmas. Savoury treats such as vegetable tempura or chai meringue kisses will enrich the morning. Or you can meet up with your friends in a cosy atmosphere at one of the many Advent markets. Enjoy a mulled wine or punch together and take a break from the stressful pre-Christmas period. Sometimes “taking time for each other” first means “slowing down” yourself.

Have you ever asked yourself who you are taking on the stress for? Are your needs still in focus? Be honest, if you are not relaxed, then you can contribute relatively little to a relaxed situation in your environment. What helps in this situation? Set priorities! If you are overwhelmed by stress, treat yourself to some time out and do what is good for you. This could be a relaxing evening at home watching TV, for example, or reading a few pages of a book while drinking tea. A walk in the cool winter air is also a great way to clear your head. Walk through the countryside with your eyes open and consciously experience the change in nature.

If cooking the festive menu at Christmas stresses you out, you can also offer fondue or raclette. Buffets for which you can prepare food in advance are becoming increasingly popular. The positive thing about this is that you don’t have to spend ages in the kitchen, but can concentrate on your family.

Christmas is twice as nice with children. Families have various traditions that they uphold around the festival of love. For example, simply choosing a Christmas tree can be a fixed point in a family’s year. Of course, baking Christmas biscuits is also part of the Christmas tradition. Children’s hands help cut out and decorate gingerbread or sprinkle cinnamon sugar on biscuits. And don’t forget to snack on the little delicacies along the way. There may even be a deliciously fragrant cup of cocoa waiting somewhere.

In the evening, when it’s dark and cold outside and the little ones are snuggled up in their blankets, it’s the perfect time to read Christmas stories.

What we should not forget is that Christmas is also a time of silence. It’s not about who has the most beautiful and brightest fairy lights or the biggest tower of presents at home. It’s about sharing joy, doing good and spending time together with people who have grown close to our hearts.

With this in mind, have a reflective pre-Christmas period and a Merry Christmas!