The holiday season always seems to come around faster than we expect. Christmas ads and promotions in the UK start popping up as early as October.
If you’re balancing a full-time job with your caring responsibilities, the lead-up to Christmas can feel like a whirlwind of tasks with no end in sight.
But here’s the good news: it’s not too late to take control of the season and make space for what really matters. With a little planning and realistic priorities, you can ease the pressure and enjoy the lead-up to a well-earned break.
Here’s what works for me and it can work for you too. It’s a practical approach designed to help you manage your time and energy while staying focused and reducing overwhelming feelings.
1. Set the Tone for the Season
As December approaches, I remind myself that Christmas is just one day, and everything doesn’t have to be perfect. This small mindset shift helps me release some of the pressure to “do it all” and focus on what’s truly meaningful for me and my loved ones.
2. Write It All Down
I start with a big list of everything that needs to be done – caring tasks, work deadlines, and Christmas prep included. List-making is a great journaling technique which I use regularly. It helps me to identify:
- What’s really essential?
- What can I delegate?
- What can I let go of this year?
I also add some small, pleasurable activities to the list; like baking, watching a Christmas movie, or taking a quiet moment with a cup of tea after wrapping presents.
3. Delegate with Confidence
If you’re a carer, it’s easy to think you must do everything yourself. But I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t just OK, it’s necessary! Whether it’s your partner, family members, or even friends, people are usually more than willing to help if you ask them clearly and kindly.
For example, I might ask a family member to pick up groceries, wrap gifts, or take care of smaller caring tasks for a few hours so I can focus on other things. At work, delegate tasks to you team and make sure you leave work on time.
4. Organise for Success
Once I know what needs to be done, I set deadlines and spread tasks out to avoid last-minute chaos. I use my weekly shopping trips to pick up Christmas items and take advantage of online shopping for things I can’t get locally. I schedule deliveries on days when I know I’ll be home and use that time to wrap gifts or write cards while I wait.
5. Make the Most of Early Deals
I keep an eye out for November discounts to check items off my gift list early. This saves money and reduces the stress of hunting for things in mid-December. For non-perishable foods and supplies, I stock up little by little during my regular shopping trips.
By 15th December, my goal is to have:
- Most gifts are wrapped and distributed if needed.
- Decorations up.
- Cards sent.
- Non-perishable foods stocked.
This frees up the final stretch of December for the caring and work tasks that truly need my attention and leaves space for fun.
6. Focus on What Matters
To keep the season manageable and meaningful, I stick to three guiding principles:
- Be prepared. A little planning goes a long way.
- Don’t overextend myself. It’s OK to say no.
- Ask for help. Sharing the load benefits everyone.
With these in mind, I’m able to approach the season feeling calmer, more organised, and ready to embrace the moments that matter.
About Sharon
Sharon lives with her partner, Geoff, in Warwickshire and they have two adult children. She worked for over 25 years in an office environment, gaining qualifications to degree level in finance, business and management. While there Sharon witnessed and experienced many stressful situations and suffered stress-related illnesses.
Sharon was advised to make some changes to her lifestyle which included trying complementary therapies. After experiencing the benefits of complementary treatments, Sharon decided to re-train and share her knowledge and experiences to help others recognise and manage their own feelings of being overwhelmed and their physical, mental and emotional stress and anxiety levels.
Sharon has been working as a complementary therapist for over 15 years now and has helped many people to manage and reduce their stress levels; to feel uplifted, focused, positive and empowered about their own lives.
