DEFINITION: When there is too much information to process, you may feel cognitive overload. This happens when you reach a point of paralysis of information — not being able to process and then act on what is heard.

It is that wonderful time of the year when I go into extreme planner mode.  The likes of which aren’t seen unless you are planning a wedding or a large corporate event.  My career choice puts me somewhere from in my element to screaming banshee.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not.  This time of year is a step up in the mental stimulation area. 

I do celebrate, I am an early decorator and neither seek permission nor apologise for it.  If I want my tree up in my own house then up it goes. 

As if I would have just one tree… ha!  I love gift wrapping, it's not normal how much I love it. And I spend too long doing it.  I am also a bit judgy about other people's wrapping …. It brings me joy.

Like most of us, this is added to our already rammed life schedules.  I am not complaining, not yet as I write it's still only November and I have until 1 December to feel completely overwhelmed.  By mid-December, I am in panic mode.

One year I was so stressed about Brussels sprouts and producing the PERFECT Christmas dinner that I am sure I pretty much ruined it for myself and had everyone else on edge.  I have come a long way since then….. Well,  I have come a way since then.

With age our family Christmases have gotten smaller.  The actual day this year will be the 3 of us and that is actually great.  It is probably the quietest day of the season.  Have I overbooked the diary – you are damn right I have.  Am I making lists daily? – hell yeah! 

Am I praying there really is a Father Christmas – oh for sure! 

One of the issues is the pressure not only to fit it all in but also for it to be perfect. The work events, the corporate gifts for staff, cards – the bloody Christmas cards – love getting them, but struggle to send them.  And like most events – you don’t remember what goes right, you generally only remember and laugh (if your family is anything like mine) at the things that go wrong.

There are Christmas Magic Makers – and these are the real gems of Christmas.  The heroes without capes.  Making it all happen.  At home and work.  In family living rooms, in your own living room, care homes, hospitals, retail, warehouses, transportation and too many to mention.  But they are out there.  Completely stressed out!  But pulling the rabbit out of the hat every year.

It’s like my favourite piece of advice and the chances are I have told you, dear reader, this already so forgive me for repeating myself.   As long as the show goes on out front on stage – it doesn’t matter if you are running around like a headless chicken backstage as no one in the audience can see that.  That kind of sums up Christmas for me. 

Gone are the days I would sit watching everyone open their gifts with a cup of tea and a cigarette, it was the 90’s after all, after about 3 hours sleep on a Christmas morning.  But I have to say – that was the best cigarette of the year.  (I am an ex-smoker now but I can have my memories)  And the last moment in that day where I was relaxed until delivering dinner to the waiting guests – while high on adrenaline and bourbon… and yes many more cigarettes! (My memories – golden).  It's all a bit more relaxed now.  I have let go a bit.  I also don’t have to tip toe around in the middle of the night delivering a stocking hoping not to wake up an already wired little boy.  He is 30 now and that would be weird.

But let me add to that, my Magic Maker, which I am sure you are.  Give yourself a break.  Give yourself 30 minutes here or there.  Actually factor this into your day.  Once you’ve made your daily list – and yes – checked it twice.  Just stop and breath.  You don’t control the whole universe.  It will all come together.  And it will still come together if you allow yourself to STOP for a break.  Maybe next week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday eves, for example – factor in giving your brain a rest – the 30 minutes.  It will actually get you through the season better if you look after YOU first.  As the saying goes – put your oxygen mask on first.  Not bad advice at this time of year.

You will get through it.. work and home.  Just make it what you can.  Don’t spend next years holiday money.  It is just one day.  No one remembers the gifts. Just the vibe.  The older you get – like me – I can honestly say that it is about the people.  I mean I want gifts too – I’m not an animal.  Of course I do!  But all my memories of Christmases gone are about the people.  And not the sprouts!  Although I will relax when I have got the sprouts.   And the pigs in blankets – oh I need that 30 minutes *must take own advice!

Take care of yourself – take time for yourself and I will try to do the same.  Hug the ones you love.  Sadly they are not here long enough.  Try not to let everyone do your head in.

Look after YOU and make your memories. 

Oh – and Happy Christmas to all who celebrate and a happy festive season to those who don’t.

Back in the new year 😉