ELITE Dance’s Christmas Survival Guide

1. Lower Expectations of that Perfect Christmas…

There is no need to strive for that picture prefect Christmas you have in mind, that instantly adds pressure. The most important thing is for you and your family to have fun. In fact, remove expectations, just look forward to seeing your family, swapping gifts and enjoying the food. Remember, if something does not go quite to plan, it really isn’t the end of the world.

1. Get your Shopping Done…

Many of you may have your shopping well underway by now, others might already be done, and all wrapped up (we salute you). However, if you haven’t started yet, now’s the time! Make a list of who you need to buy for, jot down some ideas of what to buy, and get online. Internet shopping is a lot less stressful and you can do it with a mug of tea and a mince pie in hand. Check out the ELITE Dance Christmas Gift Page >>>

1. Share the Love…

If you are responsible for cooking and hosting Christmas day there is no need to do it all yourself. Why not ask other family members to bring different parts of the meal, such as starters, pigs in blankets or desserts – don’t be afraid to ask for help.

1. Use your freezer…

A surprising number of dishes can be made ahead of time. Potatoes, parsnips and stuffing can all be cooked and frozen, then defrosted and reheated in the oven on the day itself. Do this for as many dishes as possible – more time for games with the kids.

1. Stick with the Tried & Tested…

Christmas is not the time to experiment with a new recipe. Just do what you know always goes down well. Also keep the table setting simple, add simple seasonal touches like a Christmas centrepiece and festive napkins. Don’t stress about all the preparations.

1. Save Money (& the Environment) with Wrapping Paper…

It’s a fact, we spend more than we intend to at Christmas, so where can we save money? Wrapping paper, buy a large roll of brown paper and some string. Your presents will look both charmingly old-fashioned and on-trend minimalist chic. Also, it is 100% recyclable! Did you know there is so much wrapping paper we can’t recycle due to the shiny metallic and glitter details? Buy with brown paper!

1. Get some Zzz’s…

Focussing more on your wellbeing – sleeping is the time when our bodies recover. Drinking and eating too much happens over Christmas and this can severely affect our sleep patterns. Make sure you get some quality sleep each night – still aim for your 8 hours over the busy period. If that is just impossible, take a couple of hours to yourself to just relax, and hopefully dose off. 

1. Rehydrate…

Hydration is key to surviving the busy festive season. If you are drinking alcohol you need to step up your hydration game. Aim for a soft drink in between each alcoholic beverage – that way you don’t deprive yourself, and you won’t feel as bad the next day. If you do over do it, get yourself back on track with lots of water to help your liver recover.

1. Get Active…

We can get very tied up in all the festivities, but don’t forget to keep moving. A brisk walk, light jog or swim will help work off all those extra calories. Working out is also one of the best ways to bust anxiety, as exercise promotes the release of endorphins which trigger positive feelings. Go for a family stroll before or after dinner or set your morning alarm 20 minutes earlier to fit in a walk, or even better have a dance lesson!

1. Time for you…

At Christmas we always want to make our loved ones happy and make sure everyone is having a lovely time. But think about yourself too. If you want to sit back with a Baileys, then do it! Once you have the house back to yourself, why not treat yourself to a dance lesson

A final word…

Christmas is about having fun. Worry less about the food, presents and money, don’t forget to focus more on yourself and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with your nearest and dearest.

Merry Christmas