There is no denying that this time of year seems to pass in a blur of stress and panic as we dash around trying to grab the perfect gifts whilst trying to attend every party and social event we are invited to!
Christmas has to be the only time of year when I have lists for almost every day in the run up the big man coming, just so that I don’t let anything slide (…batteries are usually forgotten no matter where on the list they are!)
Here are a few simple ideas to try this Christmas to alleviate some of the seasonal pressures…
SHOPPING:
I am trying to spend a little more wisely this year, taking both an environmental and ethical stance. The Soil Association have released 4 tips to make the Christmas festivities an Organic Showstopper:
- Box schemes and local farmers’ markets provide a convenient source of locally produced food. By supporting your local food producers you’ll be cutting down on food miles and avoiding wasteful practices.
- Instead of synthetic tinsel, adorn doorways, table tops and banisters with beautiful pearl white berries of organic mistletoe and holly. KissMe Mistletoe have everything from huge decorative globes to little bunches tied with ribbon. Organic Blooms also offer seasonal scented bouquets grown sustainably without the use of artificial chemicals.
- An organic Christmas doesn’t have to be a whole shop, little changes like swapping to organic carrots, sprouts or potatoes can make a huge difference.
- Find, try and buy all you need for an organic Christmas at The Soil Associations Organic Christmas Marketplace.
“You can save time and money when sending gifts to your loved ones by using My Parcel Delivery. The parcel price comparison website helps you to find the cheapest courier services available and provides handy tips for delivery, including how to package your parcels safely. My Parcel Delivery can also save you from having to wait in the dreaded long queues at the Post Office over the festive period and is quick and easy to use!”
HOME:
Arrange your furniture. You may like your sofas facing the TV, but that does not make for a sociable entertaining space. Consider a little rearrangement for a couple of days, to encourage extra conversation. Even the addition of a couple of extra chairs can re balance the room for your guests. Add throws for extra cosiness.
Likewise you want to make overnight guests feel welcomed too, splash out on new bedding, a complete bed set from Silentnight is only £40 which includes a mattress protector, double duvet and pair of pillows.
2. Channel 4’s Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners star, Lynsey Crombie is working with Vorwerk and has compiled some tips this year to help with easing the strain around the home. Lynsey says that the bathroom is the one area of the home where guests spend time alone and will make judgements about how clean it is! If you only have a minute do these 3 things:
- Get an antibacterial wipe and wipe down the sink, toilet seat and underside of toilet.
- Scrub the inside of the toilet.
- Get a new fresh hand towel.
3. Vicky Silverthorn is one of the UK’s most sought-after professional organisers and author of Start With Your Sock Drawer. This year Vicky wants us to forget about ‘stuff and start to think differently about what we are going to give this Christmas. With that in mind here are 3 of her top gifts to give:
- The gift of time together.
- The gift of experience.
- The gift of appreciation
4. Keeping it simple by using an off-white and grey/silver palette can look very appealing. Cover your table with a crisp white linen tablecloth and add handwritten place cards, named individual crackers or Christmas decorations for a personal touch. – Azalee Interiors
CHILL OUT:
We all need a little helping hand, especially at Christmas. Formulated with essential herbs to help promote relaxation and calm the Vie Stress Relief Patch is design to provide support in times of challenge. Active ingredients include the well documented favourites valerian, hops and passion flower, these are delivered direct into the bloodstream via your skin. Simply apply the Vie Patch to a clean, dry and hairless are of your skin when feeling stressed. Patches are discreet and can be left on for up to 24 hours. rrp: £8.95 for 6 patches.
Nutri-Derma’s Organic Pillow Spray containing organic lavender, bergamot, lemon and rosemary, is designed to help with insomnia and other sleep problems. Lavender is renowned for its calming and sedative properties. The formulation also contains Litsea Cubeba and Bergamot also associated with relaxaction and Lemon and Rosemary to promote blood circulation. The non-staining liquid should be sprayed onto sheets, pillows and around the room when ready to retire. rrp: £9.95 for 100ml spray.
Oak Soak is an excellent product for helping you soothe itchy skin before bed. Used regularly it will help sooth irritated, itchy skin and restore moisture and smoothness to dry, flaky or scaly skin. Leave Oat Soak in the bath water for up to 10 minutes before getting in, then soak in the oat water until skin feels soothed and smooth. Oat Soak bath sachets are made from pure colloidal oats, which are a finer form of oats that can remain suspended in the water, making Oat Soak pleasant to soak in and easy to wash away with your bath water much like any other bath product. Oat Soak costs £1.95 per treatment or £9.95 for 10 sachets.
I hope this has maybe eased a little tension or made it just a little less stressful this season!
Merry Christmas and most of all have fun – its meant to be a fabulous time of year!
XOXO
Debbie
This is a collaborative post
