How to have a Cracker of a Christmas…

So.. we are less than 10 days away from Christmas. The festive season. The party season. The eat and drink yourself silly season.

I thought I would share some tips with you on how to have a Happier Christmas, and how to make things easy on yourself.

If like me you have spent past seasons looking for the perfect dress. Finding it and then hating yourself in it because of your size, you will know the dread of the party season. I always seemed to be the fattest person in the room, and was extremely self conscious of it.

This is my first tip. If you like the outfit you have chosen, don’t worry about what anyone thinks. Easier said than done, but it is possible. Go out with a positive approach that your clothing is fabulous and so are you. Do your hair and make-up (or pamper yourself by getting someone else to do it) Match your clothing with a smart bag and some pretty shoes.

Or…… don’t!

Wear a trouser suit and flats, if that suits you. Or leggings and a tunic top. Make YOURSELF happy in your choices, and you’ve won half the battle. If you feel good in what you wear, your will have a level of confidence already.

Scarlett and Jo Exclusive

Tip two – shape-wear is your friend! You want that smoother line in your dress, or you want a little control to suck in a few lumps and bumps, then head to the lingerie section of most department stores or online and you will find a whole wealth of knickers, slips and bodysuits that will help you out. I never go out without them!

My particular favourites are the Magisculpt range which I get from Simply Be.

Magiscult Slip from Simply Be

Tip number three. When it comes to the festive season, it is all too easy to over indulge both in food and alcohol. Firstly, it is Christmas and is all too common. Don’t beat yourself up about it. You are allowed to enjoy yourself. Just because you had an extra mince pie, the world isn’t going to end.

If you have been watching your weight, or actively dieting, then try not to worry too much. Start a fresh the next day. Or New Year’s Day, if you so choose. You can have minor setbacks when dieting. If you are getting through the festive season without over indulging, Well done you and keep it up. But if you haven’t then it really isn’t the end of the World.

It is your body and your choice. If you want to have a dieting break over Christmas, then do it. Enjoy your Turkey and trimmings, Christmas Pud and cream, that glass of Champagne. It is Christmas after all. You can be good after the festive season is over.

A Cookie a Day…..

My fourth tip is to not try and be a superwoman. Yes, you can sit peeling Brussels, potatoes and parsnips till the cows come home. Adding brandy to your home made Christmas pudding mix every week until it is suffering from it’s own hangover. You can stay up till 2am making sausage rolls and vol au vents if you want. But only if you enjoy the whole preparation and performance of it.

If you hate all that palaver, then go with the ready made options. There are some fabulous pre-made dishes out there; braised red cabbage, goose fat roast potatoes, honey glazed parsnips, brussels with chestnuts. You name it, you can get every kind of accompaniment. My family loves the range from Aldi  – Cheap but excellent quality!

For your main course, you don’t have to go with the traditional Turkey dinner. Beef Wellington, Three Bird Roast, or even vegetarian nut roasts are all available with an extra touch of luxury over Christmas, so make life easier on yourself.

My last tip is to just enjoy yourself! Whether it is a quiet solo Christmas, or a big family affair you need to do what makes you and your closest loved ones happy.

If that means travelling 200 miles with small children to see your in laws on Christmas Day, then why not. As long as it what you want to do. Too often people leave their own homes, dragging children away from their new toys to go and sit in someone else’s house, when all they wanted to do was relax and enjoy watching their children play with their new things.

Don’t do it because it is what you have always done or it is expected of you. Do it because you genuinely want to be with those people. Or stay at home and relax.

Party Time!

Don’t forget Christmas is a time to rejoice and make merry, not make yourself exhausted and miserable.