How to sleigh stress this festive season without the booze – ho, ho, ho!

The festive season’s here! It’s a time for laughs, connection, and making memories—but let’s be real, it can also come with a sleigh-load of stress. Planning, shopping, decking the halls, and juggling endless events can leave you feeling more frazzled than festive. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a drink to manage holiday chaos or enjoy the season.

Instead, let’s focus on keeping things simple, joyful, and stress-free. From ditching unrealistic expectations to creating fun new traditions, here are some tips to help you truly enjoy the holidays without the hangover.

1. Redefine What “Merry” Really Means

Forget the Insta-perfect version of Christmas. The real magic is in the messy, funny, and heart-warming moments you share with the people you love.

Try this:

• Make a family wish list of things everyone actually wants to do (hello, beach picnic or backyard cricket).
• Drop the stuff that feels like a chore—if it doesn’t spark joy, it’s not worth your time.
• Start planning early to avoid last-minute panic—no one wants to be that person battling for a ham on Christmas Eve!

2. Look After #1 (That’s You!)

If you’re running on empty, everything feels harder. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential for keeping the holiday vibe alive.

Ways to prioritise self-care:

• Kick off your mornings with a gratitude list—it sets a positive tone for the day.
• Treat yourself: whether it’s a walk, a favourite podcast, or just 10 minutes of peace with a cuppa.
• Stick to your bedtime routine. Late nights are fine here and there, but good sleep is a game changer.

3. Start New Booze-Free Traditions

Who says festive fun has to involve a drink? Start some new, inclusive traditions that everyone will love (kids and adults alike!).

Give these a go:

• Host a DIY Christmas decoration session—think gingerbread houses, ornaments, or even cheesy cards.
• Have a movie night in your PJs with popcorn and hot chocolates (extra marshmallows mandatory).
• Set up a "kindness advent calendar" with daily activities like donating toys or cooking bikkies or a little pudding for an elderly neighbour.

4. Speak Up and Share the Load

Feel like you’re carrying the weight of the season? Don’t be afraid to ask for help or set some boundaries.

How to lighten the load:

• Delegate! Get your partner or kids involved in wrapping, decorating, or cooking.
• Be honest about what you can realistically handle. It’s okay to say “no” to that extra party or Secret Santa.
• Have a “team meeting” with your family to divide tasks—it’s all hands on deck!

5. Move, Groove, and Get Festive

Keeping active doesn’t just reduce stress—it’s a great way to embrace the holiday spirit. Bonus: it’s free and gets everyone involved!

Festive movement ideas:

• Take a sunset walk to check out the local Christmas lights.
• Turn up the tunes and have a family dance-off to your favourite holiday hits.
• Head to the park or beach for some backyard cricket, Frisbee, or even a sandcastle competition.

6. Soak Up the Moment

The festive season can fly by in a blur. Slow down and really take it all in—it’s the little things that stick with you.

Tips to stay present:

• Watch your kids’ faces light up while unwrapping presents—those moments are priceless.
• Pause and reflect on what went well each day (even if it’s just surviving the shopping centre!).
• Focus on one thing at a time instead of trying to do 50 things at once.

7. Be a Role Model for Resilience

Your kids are always watching, and how you manage stress will shape how they deal with challenges too. Show them that staying calm, creative, and kind beats a glass of wine any day.

Ways to inspire them:

• Share your own healthy stress-busting habits, like journaling or yoga.
• Involve them in fun, screen-free activities—baking, crafts, board games, jigsaw puzzles, or even helping out a neighbour or local charity.
• Celebrate little wins together, whether it’s a high-five for surviving Christmas shopping or making the perfect batch of rum-free rum balls or baby puddings.

8. Celebrate the Simple Things

At the heart of it, the holidays are about love, connection, and gratitude—not a perfect table setting or the trendiest tree topper.

Find joy in:

• Swapping stories over a family board game.
• Capturing candid snaps (no pressure for them to be perfect).
• Sharing a moment of quiet reflection about what you’re grateful for this year.

Your Presence is the Best Present

This year, make the holidays about being there—really being there—for your family and loved ones. When you skip the booze, you gain more than just clear-headed mornings. You get to enjoy every laugh, every hug, and every cheesy holiday joke in full. Raise a glass of something sparkling (non-alcoholic, of course) to a season filled with love, laughter, and amazing memories. Here’s to a holiday that’s truly merry and bright!