Perhaps it is one of the reasons - and a key reason at that - why so many people fall ill around Christmas day and New Year, when we're all supposed to be enjoying ourselves. The so-called festive season can be stressful. Avoid stress, irritability, tiredness, and the possibility of tension build-up at this time of the year with a few, simple measures.

 

Take positive action

• It's not too early and not too late to sort out gifts without hassle. Check out the numerous charity shops which are usually not a first port of call where Christmas shopping is involved, but which can offer plenty of fantastic bargains and surprising finds. Some of these shops have diversified into selling books including lots of great titles in pristine or close to pristine quality. You'll be saving money, surprising yourself with unlikely finds and helping a very good cause.
• Keep yourself fit enough to be able to enjoy a few extra calories without feeling guilty. Park your car at a distance and do your Christmas gift shopping on foot. In one fell swoop you will avoid traffic jams, dosome cardio exercise and finalise that extra bit of gift shopping. If you don't want to strain your arms, back and feet, prepare yourself well. Avoid carrying weighty bags by arming yourself with a wheeled shopper or carrier bag. Avoid wearing high heels and wear comfortable walking shoes or boots.
• Organise your events/dinners/entertaining calendar together whether you're a couple or a family. Sit down and share your booked dates, compromise around them and agree as to which event can and which cannot be changed, averted, or slotted in differently. Families who plan together generally stay together.
• Most people will be on leave from work or on school vacation. Grab the opportunity to get everybody together in some fun activities. Involve family or friends in something that will contribute to your general health and mental stimulation. Organise a Christmas treasure hunt, roping in young and old alike and take everybody walking in an interesting location away from the shopping crowds. Think of the options of organising such a treasure hunt around Mdina or in one of The Three Cities.
• If the weather is especially fine, grab some healthful food, drinks, fruit and nuts and organise an impromptu picnic on one of our sandy beaches. If you have small children in tow, make sure you take along an extra change of clothes just in case they get wet.

 

Stand back and destress

• If you are enjoying some well earned leave from work, don't go overboard with your chores or errands. Allot some time for a quick nap in the afternoon, possibly on a daily basis. This will help shore up your energy levels over to last you for late-night entertainment.
• Stagger your social events as much as possible so that if you're not used to late nights, you don't end up having too many in quick succession. Fatigue can only cause frayed nerves and ill-humour during your waking hours. Don't feel bad about turning down the occasional invitation. After all, there's only so much one can do.
• Instead of drinking more tea or coffee, try a tisane. Choose from leaf, flower, bark, root or fruit/berry tisane varieties, some of which are excellent to detox your body and digestive system. You will find these beverages mildly refreshing and full of goodness. Incidentally, tisanes can be superb gift options for those around you.»
• Stick to budgets, know your limits and hide your credit card if necessary. Christmas shopping and entertaining may be fun, but once you're out of budget, you are bound to stress out. Remember the very valid recommendation that if you can't afford it, don't buy it or choose a happy, cheaper alternative. If the latter is unavailable, forget about it until your budget allows it, and if it means doing Christmas without it, then so be it.

Glorious food - a seasonal temptation

• Try to minimise your consumption of weighty foods. Start your day with some warm water laced with fresh lemon juice, and avoid eating Christmas cake first thing in the morning. If you must eat cake or pastries, try to do so before late afternoon so that your body will have time to break down and burn the fats.
• If you have guests for lunch or dinner, make sure you find out their food preferences and/or intolerances. It is a matter of courtesy to make everybody feel comfortable and to give every one of your guests the possibility of enjoying his or her meal with peace of mind. Don't be shy to ask guests some days beforehand because you will need time to plan alternatives. If you're unsure of what these can be, ask the person concerned. S/he will generally be an expert in making such valid suggestions.
• When organising a dinner, make available healthy alternatives to alcohol so that anybody who does not want to drink alcohol or who will be driving back home can join in by enjoying some non-alcoholic beverages. Being a thoughtful host may also include organising a taxi back home for your guests if they are somewhat tipsy.
• Avoid giving your family dog or cat any tempting leftovers of heavy food that is meant for human consumption. No matter how hungrily your dog looks up at you as you tuck into your roast, refrain from giving it such food, Instruct children, elderly and guests at your table not to share their food with the family pet. Remember and remind them that most veterinary casualties at this time of year are dogs and cats fed very heavy, fatty, sugary and spicy food. 
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