I used to get really stressed as I would always try to make everything “perfect” but now I am way more relaxed and plan to make things as easy on the day as possible and try to go with the flow a lot more. I pre make a lot of the food and ask family members to bring a plate etc… instead of trying to do it all and the day runs much more smoothly.

I find entertaining fun but tiring rather than stressful.

Definitely the family. I start presents early so it doesn’t stress me. I love cooking so much so that doesn’t bother me. Just my families comments and behaviours bother me to no end.

We keep things as simple as possible for Christmas and this also reduces stress.

Christmas is a stressful period,just getting all the presents and the cost involved and making time to see family and friends! Once you sit down on Christmas Day it is all worth it!

I think the end of the year is a stressful time of year anyway – there’s a million things to get finished before Xmas shutdown, school finishes so you have kids around a lot more and I think everyone in the shops get a little manic and that feeds into everyone.

i used to stress about cooking but now i just go the simple route.

Gee Kazon, that’s just rude not letting you know if they’re coming or not. I think that’s what bugs me the most about family, they think they can do what they like and all will be forgiven.

Feeding the masses. Planning for a family meal is difficult and it makes it even harder when family doesn’t let you know upfront if they can make it or not (don’t like when family assumes they can just rock up)

MOM160421 Not being stressed by in-laws surely makes my life better!

It’s supposed to be a joyous event but I find myself pre-stressing in October!!
Bah humbug…..it’s beginning to feel a lot like Stuff This!! (sing it with me?? hehehe)

Enlist the help of others at Christmas to help lighten your load. Even little ones can help with things – age appropriate help is wonderful!

I love everything about Christmas and never stress! Food will be ready when it is ready, everybody can ‘kick’ back and relax!

Lucky you MoM90758. Spending time with the in-laws is probably what stresses me out the most.

Christmas doesn’t stress me. But both my family and my husband’s family live in Europe. That’s probably why!!

As much as Christmas is meant to be a time of joy and happiness to all, that is a fantasy and very far from reality for most. We all live in the real world and simply cannot get close to the perfection that is how Christmas is promoted in movies, ads, shops, books etc. If approached within real capacities, Christmas Day need not be stressful (or too much so)!

I’m over presents! Told everyone I’m not buying anymore presents. Other then that, Xmas hasn’t stressed me. It’s usually everyone contributing with food and the clean up. We usually alternate between peoples houses every year. I enjoy the day