December can be a difficult month for many. There are presents to buy, food to prepare, family and friends to please. If you are one of those individuals that feel more frazzled than festive here are some time management strategies that can help you cope with the weeks ahead:

  • Get an early start: There is no rule that says all preparations have to be crammed in one week. Start early, buy gifts throughout the year, put up Christmas decorations in November…
  • Make a list: List down gifts that need to be bought, food that needs to be prepared and prioritize. If it helps do a time line: for example: Buying presents throughout November, start baking and freezing on the 8th of December.
  • Choose your Christmas activities: If the ‘to do’ list outnumbers what you want to do, prioritize. Do you really have to cook a 7 course meal every Christmas? Can you maybe choose appetizers and desserts that are ready made?
  • Slow down: Decorating the house does not have to happen in one day. Ask family and friends to pitch in, make it a fun activity accompanied with drinks and mince pies…

This can be a magical time of year for you and your loved ones. Do not let anxiety and unachievable goals ruin it. Concentrate on what is important to you and make it happen…

 

Anna Catania is a counsellor with Willingness. She has had a special interest in working with clients facing intimacy and sexual difficulties and runs a service for families going through cancer and chronic illness. She can be contacted on anna@willingness.com.mt

You can visit her profile on: https://zme.tec.mybluehost.me/willingnessmt/team/anna-catania/