You don’t need to get caught up in the hustle and bustle that Christmas brings. Give yourself enough time and allow yourself to mentally prepare. Here are a few tips for planning ahead during the festive season:

Manage your time - Create a to do list detailing specific time frames for each task.

If possible, plan your shopping trips during quieter hours. Alternatively, you could shop online to avoid crowds all together whilst remaining in the comfort of your own home. If possible, plan your shopping trips during quieter hours. Alternatively, you could shop online to avoid crowds all together whilst remaining in the comfort of your own home. During this time of year shopping centres can become extremely busy. When planning to be out in large crowds remember that you don’t have to rush, bring a friend if possible, listen to music, use grounding techniques, take your time and enjoy the shopping experience. There are many ways to help others feel better over the festive season and to feel that you are making a difference for someone.

For those with many friends and family members to buy for, you could suggest a secret Santa to help negate feelings of pressure and help cut costs.

Volunteer- One of the most powerful ways survivors have found to reverse how they feel about Christmas is to volunteer – working with the homeless, elderly, visiting people in hospitals or care homes. You can find many different volunteering opportunities through the links below:

England - https://www.ncvo.org.uk/ncvo-volunteering/find-a-volunteer-centre    

Wales - https://volunteering-wales.net/vk/volunteers/index.htm  

Scotland – https://www.volunteerscotland.net/  

Northern Ireland - https://www.volunteernow.co.uk/      

Ireland - https://www.volunteer.ie/