With only a little time left before Christmas, you may be panicking about whether you’ll get everything done in time. Even if there are only a small number of you in the household there can still be a lot to prepare beforehand.

There can be considerable pressure to spend more than you can afford at this time. It is easy to get carried away buying each other expensive gifts when really all you want is to be appreciated, maybe pampered a little! You may be fortunate and have two sets of parents but juggling visits between them may be problematical. Do they come out here or do you go back for Christmas, it’s a dilemma many people face each year!

Whether Christmas has religious meaning for you or not it is a golden opportunity to spread some goodwill around. Do remember to save some of that goodwill for yourself by enlisting plenty of help with the chores. There are so many inexpensive ready prepared foods on the market these days that nobody need be a slave in the kitchen. Traditional isn’t always best, especially if it doesn’t suit you. Maybe you’ve always dreamt of getting away from it all and with so many last minute deals at the moment anything is possible.

Difficulties between partners seem more apparent when spending the holiday together. Following the Yuletide period there is a dramatic rise in the number of calls received by Relate.

To avoid neglecting your relationship set aside some quality time together this season. Having fun is one of the most important ingredients to include, try to pay attention to that inner child! Enjoy yourselves and have a merry Christmas.

Julia Meanwell

Relationship Counsellor

952 743 623