LIFESTYLE

‘It’s time to reclaim Christmas’: How to refocus on what matters

6 December, 2023 . 0

Combine Christmas with a cost-of-living crisis and it’s the perfect moment to call time-out on some expensive traditions. Here’s how to cut costs and stress.

The number of Australians worried about their finances in the lead-up to Christmas has never been higher, with six out of 10 of us saying we’re stressed about money right now.

Still, more than 40 per cent of us agree we’re feeling pressured to spend more than we can afford this Christmas, with almost one in two people saying they’ll be going into debt to do it.

Best-selling author and leading mental health expert Tracey Horton says statistics like that, on top of the fact that one in three Australians are struggling with their mental health, should be a wake-up call to do Christmas differently.

“I’m a huge advocate for the fact that mental health is not OK in Australia,” Tracey says.

“People are stressed and people are anxious, and in many ways I think what we’re actually seeing is the true aftermath of Covid,” Tracey says.

“This year, when we’ve got inflation and higher interest rates, which means everything from groceries to mortgages and rents cost more, people are struggling.

“So it’s definitely time to reclaim Christmas.”

How to cut Christmas stress – and costs

Here are Tracey’s suggestions to help dial down the pressure on Christmas.

Shift your focus

“Whether you consider Christmas a religious occasion or you don’t, either way you cut it, it’s a time of year that was meant to be about being with people,” Tracey says.

“It was never intended to be as much about ‘stuff’ as it’s become.

“So this year, rather than ‘things’ and all the trimmings, what if you prioritised time spent with people?”

Have some honest conversations

“Saying to the people you usually buy gifts for, ‘listen, I don’t know about you but we’re financially stressed right now – what if we did secret Santa this year and cap gifts at $30 or just take a break from presents altogether?’.

“It might seem like an awkward topic to broach, but right now, I’d almost guarantee that everyone will thank the first person who calls it.”

Make some new traditions around food

“It’s perfectly okay to ditch the traditional Christmas meal, which doesn’t suit our climate anyway,” Tracey says.

“It’s summer, so this year, why not suggest everybody brings a fresh salad or platter of something seasonal to keep the costs down, to a great outdoor location.”

That’ll certainly save on cleaning up, too, something 42 per cent of us rate as our most dreaded Christmas chore.

Appreciate what you’ve got

“Remembering that so many people are doing it really tough right now and considering how fortunate you are if you have food and shelter, can help put things into perspective,” Tracey says.

For example, almost a quarter of Australians will struggle to put enough food on the table over the coming weeks.

“This can help you realise that your kids aren’t ‘going without’ if you can’t buy them everything on their Christmas list or if you’ve cut costs here and there.”

Prioritise ‘time off’

“I think so many of us put so much emphasis on December 25 that, not only does it consume so much of our time preparing for it, we can also be really disappointed when it doesn’t go perfectly.

“Christmas is about more than one day so maybe commit to spending less of your time and money on the 25th and make this time of year more about taking some time out. Now more than ever, Australians need a break.”

More ways to have a fuss-free Christmas:

Written by Karen Fittall.