A Guide To Stress Free Christmas Celebrations – as suggested by Bottlegreen Drinks Co

Everyone is entitled to enjoy Christmas regardless of the running around, party
preparations and copious amounts of cooking.

To help keep the UK’s hosts and hostesses on track for the festive season,
Bottlegreen Drinks has compiled a list of helpful hints to ensure that this busy
period is as stress free as humanly possible.

1. Calendar it. Spend time planning in all the family and outside events.

2. Make a goal, for example decide to complete everything by December 22nd,
and stick to it.

3. Start early, be prepared and buy versatile products, such as those from
Bottlegreen Drinks that can be used for those unexpected guests.

4. Determine the holiday budget – set aside a monthly amount and stick to it.

5. Buy, decorate and put up the tree in early December. Get the children
involved as it takes the pressure off and keeps them entertained for hours.

6. Write and post Christmas cards as far in advance as possible or easier
still – and kinder to the environment – send e-cards and it won’t matter if
these go out on December 23rd.

7. Create a gift list and to avoid last minute panic shopping stock up on all
that is needed well in advance. Why not try shopping online or via mail order,
so that it’s delivered direct to the door.

8. Plan the food and drink shopping list a month before. Polite guests should
respond two weeks in advance to give the hostess time to prepare. Don’t forget
to stock-up on Bottlegreen Drinks products and remember that tin foil always
sells out so make sure you have enough to cover that giant turkey.

9. Check the cutlery as there is nothing worse than not having enough on the
morning that everyone is coming round.

10. Serve dinner later in the day, so that all of the present opening is out of
the way and it’s not too stressful fitting everything in.

11. Break up the chores, do a little at a time and delegate to others in the
family to share the load.

12. For those with small children who need occupying, try giving them an early
Christmas present or video that they want to see as this will occupy them for a
good hour and a half.

13. Exercise is a real mood lifter. Take time out and go for a walk as this
will reduce stress hormones and increase endorphins putting the busy hostess in
a much more relaxed mood.

14. Pace yourself so that by the time Christmas Eve comes along “what isn’t
done now, won’t get done”.

15. Invite party guests to contribute a dish to the Christmas dinner, taking
the pressure off the host / hostess and making visitors feel involved.

16. Budget permitting, hire a cleaning person to come in and give the house a
once over while the host / hostess tends to other matters.

17. Buy a fabulous Christmas party outfit, perform a quick change when
everything is ready and wow guests with how great you look.

18. Remember that not everything has to be perfect.

19. Don’t drink too much as it will spoil Christmas for you and everyone else.
Try out some Bottlegreen Drinks alcohol-free cocktails, so you can still join in
the celebrations.

20. Make Boxing Day time out. Relax, unwind and go round to someone else’s
house and let them play hostess.