Fearne Cotton is a busy mum.
Many parents seem to just accept that they will be stressed for the month of December and spreading themselves in a million directions - but Fearne says that it shouldn't be like that.
The 37-year-old has some tips that will help you to prioritise yourself, let go of guilt and make this festive season as relaxed as possible.
She has two kids with her husband Jesse Wood - five-year-old Rex and three-year-old Honey.
So how does she mind herself during Christmas?
She says, ''If you’re just going through the mill of shopping, parties, sorting out your kids’ costumes for the concert, remembering to bring carrying things for school, you feel so strung out. You think: ‘Aren’t I meant to be enjoying this time of year?’ It’s difficult.”
So here are those handy tricks...
Prioritise yourself
Other people aren't important - focus on you and your family.
Fearne says, ''The crux of Christmas is being with people you like and eating good food. You have got to do things your way.''
Set a goal to not have goals
Contradictory?
Maybe, but so many of us struggle to relax - and it's so important to.
She says, ''My Achilles heel is not knowing how to slow down. I find it hard to switch off, to not brainstorm ideas for what I’ll be doing next because I want to keep the momentum going. I shouldn't have a goal, I should just be letting go, but I set myself the goal of letting go.”
Don’t feel guilty
Ever.
Fearne's tip? She says, ''I have chosen to not go to a Christmas party I’ve been invited to [this year] because I wanted to prioritise my physical health. I am not going to feel guilty about it. I am making a decision for me.”
Get some fresh air
Sounds obvious but is essential.
Fearne says, ''Getting outside is a lovely break from all the chaos, from the heat and the bodies. It’s a chance to stop worrying about cooking – and presents!”
Accept that there will be arguments
It's a given.
Fearne says, ''You’re together and spending time with each other. love going to my aunt’s at this time of year and catching up with my family. We all lead busy lives and it’s hard to find time to do that. Also, have a moment to look around at your family all together (even if they are arguing), and be thankful for [their presence].”
