Christmas is coming and it’s typically one of the most stressful events of the year. The expense and pressure of last minute shopping, and the heightened expectations of family togetherness can all combine to challenge our best intentions. Print this out, share it with your friends, and maybe even leave a copy on the fridge . . .

1. When the instinct to run hits you, recognize your old sacrifice patterns and instead of running ask what you can choose to give (apart from your exit at the earliest possible moment!).		2. Appreciate every present you are given. Remember that people generally give presents that they would want for themselves and your appreciation makes everyone feel included. If you receive yet another pair of socks from Aunt Sophie reflect on where you are incredibly boring or haven’t put much effort into your giving.
3. If you want a happy Christmas, give up all control. Give up any idea of how it is going to be. Make it about friends and family and not about when you open the presents, or who ate all the chocolates.		4. Refrain from guilt-tripping anyone. You know those looks which broadcast your disapproval, when everyone knows they should start feeling bad because you have not got your way? Give them up too!
5. Christmas is all about presence. Stay out of a coma for as long as possible and make it a quality time.		6.Remember that your family is your team.
7. Your enjoyment of your Christmas experience will come from your giving. Remember some people have great difficulty in receiving; this is because they have become so independent and they believe that receiving causes pain. While understanding helps, another tip for dealing with independent dissociated people is to observe and notice something they do for others and take the time to do that thing for them. They will be thankful and now a bridge can be built.		8. No matter what is going on, a humourous perspective is always available if we’re willing to make that choice. Remember to pack your sense of humour!
9. Find a way to give generously to others not as fortunate as you are. Giving all to all is one of the principles of abundance.		Good luck on the run-up to the holiday season.With our love, Sue and Jeff
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