bythemethod.com blog

I love Christmas! It’s a great time of year for all kinds of reasons. I think it’s a good time to remember that other people are important in your life.

Here is a list of some simple ways to make this point (both to others and yourself):

1. When you buy a present think about the person who you are giving it to and how you might bring them some pleasure. We all have to buy stuff because it’s expected of us but that doesn’t mean we have to be mean about all our buying choices. I’ve met countless people who seem to moan about everything around Christmas. Don’t miss the opportunity to bring some pleasure into anothers life – you will be surprised how good it makes you feel to know you have done it.

2. Think about the people you send cards too. All right some of them are people you hardly ever see but that doesn’t mean its not good to remember them and wish them well. One day you might be glad that you know these people so make sure you acknowledge that now.

3. When you are at a party give some time up for those you don’t usually speak to. You don’t have to make a big thing of it, just talk to them for a few minutes. People will really appreciate that you took the time to do it.

4. Smile at people. It’s nice to have someone smile at you (at long as it isn’t creepy) so be pleasant. People get very stressed around this time of year – why not be the one who helps them feel happy and relaxed.

5. Compliment the chef. Christmas dinner can be very stressful for those who have to cook it. It’s not that it’s complicated but that you want it to be perfect. Tell the cook that it helped to make Christmas special this year and they will really appreciate it.

Have a great Christmas!

We are in to the last week before Christmas and its all go here in the UK. Shops are crowded, children are driving parents crazy and the TV is full of programmes on how to cook the perfect Christmas dinner.

If you are thinking of doing something different or special this year then I have a couple of tips for you.

Tip 1. Think again. In my experience Christmas dinner is a very stressful affair. The cook has to be in the kitchen for quite a while when everyone else is enjoying their presents. Then there is concern for those who are going to church to make sure nothing burns while they are away. There is a great deal of thinking to be done about when to put everything in the oven – make a list for this – and the cook is very stressed out thinking about all that might go wrong (it’s a good time to practice being positive). This is not a good time to be planning a new recipe! I’m not against new taste experiences but when the pressure is on its wise to save the new experience to another day. Why not plan another (not so stressful) meal for another day when you can try out something new. Sometimes the old favourites done well are the best thing to do.

Tip 2. If you must do something new, practice. Take some time this week to try out the new recipe. If this is too much to fit in then take my Tip 1 to heart.

Christmas is a wonderful time and I love it. Stress can become a real issue though. Be more patient than you usually are. Don’t over stretch yourself. Keep it simple.

Remember the best bit about Christmas (apart from the obvious religious side) is the people not the turkey!