Xmas (s)HOP(p)ING

Yes Xmas time is fast approaching, this year again I am afraid.
This post is for those who are dreading every minute of preparation, shopping and involvement in the festive spirited events ahead.

On top of snow here in London, another wave of recession hitting harder, temperatures never lower, or at least as far as I remember... this year's Xmas is notable on people's faces. I couldn't help not to notice grumpy, nervous people in shops, tubes, offices, cars.

Stress is visible, from the outside they hit us from all angles to spend money we don't have, to compare ourselves to those who have, to buy pressies we find useless only for the sake of it, to cook meals dreading yet another diet from January on next year.
Sales everywhere, magazines all about festive glam dresses...
From the inside, we ask ourselves why don't we or do we care, who do we have to spend Xmas with, what are our relationships like.
No wonder we end up grumpy and depressed, according to so many statistics. We even openly admit it.

I have only two suggestions this year, and it goes down these lines:

1. For you who don't care about Xmas or New Year's eve, for you who genuinely couldn't care less about dates from 24th Dec- 1st Jan - stay as you are and you will not be included in the grumpy queues for the turkey meal... Lucky you!
Tip: Make sure you buy enough food and booze as nothing is open on Xmas day and make sure your plans are made from Boxing day onward as no traffic is running on Xmas day as well. Enjoy!

2. For you who care about Xmas or New Year's eve, for you who genuinely couldn't care more about dates from 24th Dec- 1st Jan - change!
Here is the list of little things to keep in mind:

• Keep practical and create a shopping list for pressies, dine and wine
• Book any restaurant you had in mind if not already (Last call really!)
  
• Book any time slots for food delivery if not already (Last call too!)
• Use your lunch time at work and time after work to get 2 pressies each day - break down that stress and dread of 5 hours Xmas shopping.
  
• Allow the staff at shops to wrap them for you although you think it is not needed - trust me you will remember this tip on Xmas Eve when you'll be tired and in need for an extra glass of wine!
• Whatever happens, take 3 deep breaths, the world will still keep on moving, there is no such thing as perfection! No perfect pressies, no perfect family, no perfect Xmas tree and no perfect Xmas pudding. Just who we are and what we made out of it.
  
• Keep happy for caring and hoping for the best in people around you. When everyone goes to bed, sit next to your nicely decorated Xmas tree, unwind, reflect on all your achievements in 2010 and all the lessons you might have overcome and prepare for another year of surprises!

And if anyone gets stuck in any way...duda does adores Xmas for all the right and wrong reasons and is happy being at hand 24/7.

Give us a shout if you need any help: 07904858999

Lots of love!
Duda xx