I’ve said make this the happiest time of the year for your family, because it would be wrong to assume it’s the happiest.

Yes, it’s all about the build up to Christmas, and the cheer and joy that it brings, but is it always the way? No, it’s most definitely not. You wouldn’t believe it unless you experience it, but for some families, this time of year can just be one of the biggest stresses ever. In fact, we would go as far as to say that all families know what we’re talking about in one way or another.

Yes, this time of year does mean that we get to sit down, drink mulled wine or hot chocolate, and watch Christmas films until our eyes bleed. Yes, it means we get to sneak around downstairs, placing all of the Christmas presents under the tree and waiting for the excitement of the next day. And finally, it does mean that you get to spend some quality time with your family that you might not actually get much of nowadays. But, there are many things in between this that can bring down the festive spirit a level or two, and these are the things we want to try and remove from your experience.

Little People Issues

By little people, we mean the little children in your family. As cute as a button that they might be, they love to cause issues when they’re off for the festive period, and brace yourself parents, that’s just not so far away, is it now? Some they just can’t help, but some it is like they’re out to do to ruin all our happiness at this time of year. But one that they definitely can’t help, and our heart always bleeds for them when it happens, is the dreaded winter bug.

It’s so sad when you see your little one horribly ill, but it will inevitably happen during the colder months. Their immune system isn’t as strong as ours, and they have more bugs passed around them during school time. It just means that they come to us as a one big snot machine that we just can’t seem to keep under control.

So, while you still can, fill your cupboard with all of the things you might need to comfort them. From all of the cold and flu ailments that you can buy, to handy little tools such as a nasal aspirator. If you haven’t used one before for your little ones, your life is definitely about to change soon! You can read more about how they work here. But for the most part, it’s all about keeping them wrapped up when they go outside, and feed them nice and nutritious meals to help keep their immune system high. You never know, you might be lucky enough to escape a winter illness this time around!

The Money Squeeze

Oh boy, don’t we all feel that money squeeze that seems to be out to get us right from the minute you see your first Christmas advert. Which we have to comment, is happening earlier and earlier each year! We’re not a fan of how early the run up to Christmas seems to be happening now, but we definitely know that we’re in the thick of it right now. So, that can only mean one thing for the most of us, and that’s the dreaded money squeeze. No matter how much you plan your money, you always end up with pennies, and for some families, it can even put them in to debt. But, that’s the price they’re willing to pay if it means their families get what they want when it comes to Christmas.

However, we do think there are ways of getting around this. Our top tip is to stop looking at all of the big branded stores, but don’t stop looking at all of the big brands. How you might ask? Well, it’s easy. All you need to do is go on second hand stores, or preferably places like Ebay. People are selling items that still have the tags on for half the price, and have probably only ever been worn just to try the item on. You could easily get everyone what you wanted to go them, and not even come close to breaking the bank. It’s a trick not a lot of people actually like to use because it is classed as second hand, but it is well worth considering.

The Trying To Please

There’s just no time of year like this. It’s the one time of year where all you have to think about is pleasing every other person close to you, rather than yourself. The massive build up of stress that this can cause is often one that is too hard to bear for some people. On the one side of the coin, you’ve got the Christmas day and boxing day fiasco. Either you’ll want your parents on one day, and your partner’s on another. But your partner’s parents are at their other child’s on that day, so you end up having to try and see both of your parents on one day, and boy can that just feel like you’re being pulled from pillar to post!

To try and make sure you please all, just halve the day, and have the most relaxing part of the day last. If you get all of the madness and the rush done with in the morning, and leave the evening spare to drink fine wine and eat tasty buffet food, then you’re going to be so much better off. Don’t stretch yourself too far trying to please everyone else!

When The Bad Weather Comes

Now isn’t the bad weather the worst thing for some of you! When it hits, it can often feel as though getting around is the biggest nightmare in the world. What we suggest before it even gets here, is to make sure you have back up plans, and always have the fridge stocked. You never know when we might just have an absolute blanket of snow!

So tell me, what do you plan to do to make your holidays happy?