Tuesday, 8 December 2015

My guide to a stress free Christmas

For me, this post is sort of ironic, seeing as the house is yet to be finished and I am still upside down... anyway for lots of practical reasons, here's how to ensure your Christmas runs stress free:



POST

Get in early and send your child’s wish list to Santa at Santa's Grotto, Reindeerland, SAN TA1. Make sure your child's name and address is included, although Royal Mail (on Santa's behalf) can't guarantee a reply. Alternatively, email Santa at emailsanta.com

Send cards and gifts early to beat long queues at the post office. This year the last dates for UK inland Christmas postage are:
19 December: 2nd class, 21 December: 1st class and 23 December: Special Delivery Guaranteed. For worldwide details, visit royalmail.com
Going away? Don’t advertise your absence by letting post pile up or be left poking out of your letterbox. Instead, use Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service. Your mail will be kept and delivered once you’re home. Visit royalmail.com.

SHOPPING
When it comes to the big day, delegate. Think ahead and buy non-perishable foodstuffs early and remember to order your turkey well in advance. Shopping for food online is a good way to avoid the crowds and prevent impulse buys. As is making a list prior to shopping. Remember to check in advance if any guests have nut allergies or food intolerances.
KIDS

Whether it’s making paper chains, edible Christmas tree decorations, print wrapping paper, or personal Christmas cards, keep children festively focused with arts and crafts. Eggnogg.co.uk have a fabulous range of colour-in products including a Christmas tablecloth.

MAGICAL MEMORIES

Forward thinking is essential when it comes to planning a seasonal treat. Whether it’s the panto, the Nutcracker ballet, or Lapland UK; something extraordinary this Christmas can help children make memories that will last a lifetime. Find out more about the magic at bigpantoguide.co.uk, ballet.org.co.uk and LaplandUK.co.uk

HEALTH & SAFETY
Using candles is a lovely way to create atmosphere. But you should remember never to leave them unattended because of the risk of fire. Think carefully about where they are placed and remember to blow them out before going to bed.
Don’t forget to check that your Christmas lights are in good working order before putting them on the tree.
When it comes to alcohol, know your limits in advance: 2-3 units a day for women and 3-4 units for men. The safest option is not to drive if you’re planning to drink. Drinkaware.co.uk.
LIFE LINES
The Christmas period can be a lonely time for some. The Samaritans offer a friendly voice. Call 08457 90 90 90 or speak to someone online at samaritans.org.
With GPs’ surgeries closed
over Christmas, medical advice is available from NHS Direct: 0845 4647, or in Scotland NHS 24 on 08454 242 424.

NHS Walk-In Centres are open and staffed 365 days a year to provide treatment and advice. Visit nhs.uk/servicedirectories.
This post first appeared here on Families online

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