![Don't fall for festive wrap. Buy recycled brown paper; it doesn't have a season and can be used year-round. Picture by Shutterstock Don't fall for festive wrap. Buy recycled brown paper; it doesn't have a season and can be used year-round. Picture by Shutterstock](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/9jp2tjuwKpcNcyMwTq82JY/5fe4b75b-6093-4081-8544-b13538a1760c.jpg/r0_0_4752_3168_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
THERE are 11 sleeps until Christmas Day.
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My youngest has two days left of primary school. Forever.
There are few fresh-cut Christmas trees shorter than seven feet (213 centimetres) to be bought anywhere on the Border.
There is a 98 per cent chance I will not enjoy the new Harry and Meghan documentary now showing on television.
Netflix knows me well!
Statistics aside, we're now in the thick of the festive season.
After a couple of years of COVID-19 interruptions, everything is back, maybe bigger than ever.
Even school nights are crammed full of endless opportunities to celebrate the end of the year.
There's so much marketing hype for the whole family to be decked out in Christmas PJs. This can set you back big bucks. Even if you're happy for the kids to have Christmas PJs, do Dad and the dog need to be in the same set? Stop, drop, resist. Do not roll over!
Here's what won't add value to your festive season:
- Matching PJs: There's so much marketing hype for the whole family to be decked out in Christmas PJs. This can set you back big bucks. Even if you're happy for the kids to have Christmas PJs, do Dad and the dog need to be in the same set? Stop, drop, resist. Do not roll over! The same applies to Christmas sheets, bedding and bath towels now appearing in shop windows everywhere.
- That's a wrap: Don't fall for festive wrap. Buy recycled brown paper. It doesn't have a season and can be used year-round for any occasion.
- Screen time: Switch off for a few days if social media is getting you down.
- Endless shopping: Make a Christmas list and stay on task when shopping. Do not peek in other people's trolleys as tempting as it is. They have different lists, budgets and priorities.
- Saying yes: It's perfectly fine to decline some invitations. Dear introverts, I know you know where I'm coming from. Read a book, listen to music or binge Scandi noir to recharge. It's fine. Self-preservation, first and foremost.
Here's what will definitely add value to your festive season:
- Family circle: Celebrate your family and friends who sustain you throughout the year. It's good to honour rituals and routines shared with your inner circle of family and chosen family.
- Shop locally: Support local traders when you're writing your Christmas list. Choices are endless and it makes sense on every level.
- Love Actually: I always watch this rom com staple five weeks out from Christmas and then again on Christmas Eve. The Polar Express never gets old either. If you can tolerate subtitles, the sweet Norwegian series Home for Christmas is worth a look. If you prefer a different language, there is also a spin-off of the Scandinavian show in Italian. Prego!
- Wishing Tree: Give a gift to someone in need. Choose a charity or Wishing Tree and be as generous as you can. Your kids will enjoy being part of this process.
- Eat out: Support the hospitality sector that has done it hard during the past couple of years. Restaurant vouchers also make great Christmas gifts.
- Move it: Make sure you exercise over the festive season. If gyms aren't your thing, just walk instead of driving everywhere. Combine a catch-up with a friend and a river walk.
Sleep tight now until Christmas!
Remember, you don't need to match your moodle to make the most of the festive season.
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