10 Things I Hate About Yule

Ok, so the title is quite negative, but this post looks at the negative points of the festive season From the expense, indulgence to the pressure and expectations. But you can turn all these around and have the best time. Lets take a look:

Pressure – There is a lot of pressure on us all at this time of year to buy the biggest, best and amazing gifts for people. We don’t want to let people down and give them something they don’t like or won’t enjoy. We wrap the gifts and buy all the ribbons, bows and fancy paper to make it look good, putting it in a gift bag to pass to our nearest and dearest. So instead of doing that, go simple, buy a gift you know they will like, but don’t feel like you need to spend a fortune. You could always suggest a limit for people, I am sure they would be thankful you mentioned it.. Then there is the food pressure, making sure everyone is catered for and it all is perfect and presented well. Take the pressure off this year, cook the meal you want and let people know in advance what your making. If they want anything different they can bring it along. You could suggest going out for dinner to take the pressure off, they can pick from a menu to their hearts content. Don’t be afraid to put your needs first, it’s your holiday time too.

Expectations – This goes with pressure, friend’s, family or your own expectations can be high. You imagine the perfect table setting with beautiful decorations and fancy crackers with expensive gifts and a trifle that looks like Jamie Oliver made it rather than you. Your roast turkey will be succulent and not dry. Everyone will be happy and laughing at the terrible cracker jokes, even Aunt Mabel who never smiles! You picture a scene from a happy Christmas movie, rather than reality. If you are a perfectionist then it is difficult to lower your standards, be kind to yourself, it doesn’t need to be picture perfect, reality isn’t often the case. Let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on having a great time, and enjoy spending time with your nearest and dearest.

Expense – Isn’t it crazy how much we spend at this time of year. We seem to think the more we spend the better it will be. But this isn’t always the case. If you are struggling financially or even if you aren’t, don’t feel you need to buy the best of the best. Food will get eaten regardless if it is the supermarket own brand or the most expensive brand there is. Who cares if you have bought fresh cranberries or they come out of the jar? Buy the cheap crackers as let’s face it, nobody is bothered about keeping the gift inside anyway. Kids perhaps are harder to please, you want them to have a good time but does it really need to be the most expensive games console? it’s amazing how many people are selling them second hand, in great condition, save yourself some cash and see what bargains you can find.

Food – Oh my goodness, we buy far too much and can end up wasting a lot. Realistically, this is the time of year where we buy food we wouldn’t normally eat and get a lot of chocolate. Be realistic about what you need and what others will eat, Leftovers are amazing, as long as you use them up. Think before you fill up your basket or shopping trolly. Do you need to buy it? Will anyone even notice if you don’t get it? As I said above, focus on what you want to eat and cook rather than pleasing everyone else.

Family – If you have a large family or a small one, it can be tricky if you are all together in one room, whether it is just for a day or longer. It can be difficult if you don’t always see eye to eye. If they are over at your house or you are at theirs, you may not have your own space to seek out and have a moment to yourself. Set boundaries, Ask for 15 minutes to yourself and go for a quick walk or step outside and breath in the fresh air. We love our family but having our own space is just as important. If you are lucky enough to be going away and staying at a hotel, this helps as you are not going to be in each others pockets, but instead have your own space. Most importantly, enjoy every moment as it will be a memory to treasure forever. But never be afraid to say ‘get out of my kitchen’ in a nice way of course.

Time – It goes way to fast and before you know it, you are back at work. So appreciate every moment you have, take lots of photos, create a memory book or a write a journal to look back on. Make an online photo album and share with your friends and family.

Paper – Oh my, how much paper and cards do we use at this time of year? It is crazy. Can you limit your wrapping and instead put gifts in a gift bag, sealing the top so no-one can peak inside? Cut the paper to the exact amount you need and stick the off cuttings together to create a patchwork of paper for someone. It soon gets ripped off and thrown away, they may not notice. Always recycle where you can.

Forced Jollity – We are always shown a pictures or scenes in movies and adverts of how wonderful and happy everyone is, so we feel we need to follow suit and be happy all the time. New Year is one of those times, when everyone is whooping for joy as the new year begins. I’m not being ‘bah humbug’ about it, but we aren’t happy all of the time, so feel your feelings and be you.

Over Indulgence – how much do we eat and keep eating? We eat three or four courses and stuff it in, even though every day we likely have one or maybe two courses for a main meal. Stop and think, how much do you really need to feel full? I’m not here to say stop eating but just think, will having a starter impact your enjoyment of your main meal or will skipping dessert mean you miss out? It’s more about savouring what you are eating and not leaving the table feeling so full you feel sick.

Sprouts – I mean what more do I need to say? We buy more at Christmas than any other time of year, but we don’t really like them. Skip the sprouts and add in a veg you love instead.

I hope this post has given you some food for thought. The most important thing at this time of year, is for you to enjoy yourself with those you love, eat what you want, drink what you want and have the fun you want. Take the pressure off and make the best memories you can.

Thank you for reading, have a wonderful week and an amazing time over the festive period.

Take care and look after you.

Love Emma xx