After the most beaut birthday week last week, I’ve entered this week on a bit of a slump. It’s only Wednesday and Jesus Christ, how is it not Friday yet plz?
Last week, I turned 27 which is bloody mental – I wouldn’t say I feel particularly different but also when reflecting with the girls we were a bit like fuuuuck, we graduated from Uni 6 years ago and that doesn’t feel physically possible… so whilst it isn’t in the grand scheme of things, 27 kinda feels a bit like we’re getting old.
Before I get into current affairs, here’s a round up of last week;
Nottingham – I kicked off December by meeting the uni girls in Notts for a festive weekend which was basically spent reminiscing, getting excited about our old stomping ground, drinking a lot of prosecco and eating food. I’m basically bankrupt now but was every bit worth it.
Kew Gardens with Mum – On the night before my birthday, me and mum visited Kew Gardens for the Christmas light show. I went last year and obsessed. SO cute, so festive and for sure my new fav tradition.
Birthday fun – Last Thursday I spent the day in Richmond with Mum as it was officially my birthday, I ate lots of food, wandered the shops and then ended the day with a dinner out with Charlie – I was stuffed and in bed by 10. Wilddddd.
Christmas party – Friday was our work Christmas party which was one of my favourites from the past 4 years. It was a late one, involved lots of alcohol and I spent Saturday morning attempting to throw up before I had to leave the house for more drinking so all in all, a success. Also experienced Uber Pool for the first time ever and didn’t die so that’s a bonus.
Goucho – Went to brunch with the home girls to celebrate mine and Ruksana’s birthday on Saturday and loooved it. Never been and already want to drag Charlie back. I was worried for a second that I would be too hungover to eat but allas, I can’t say no to good steak.
Sunday – The family came over on Sunday so was a bit of a cosy one. I got the cheese board out, made a curry and was so beaut to have us all together.
The week after a busy one always feels a bit like an anti-climax. I endulged alooot and now stressing about getting through the rest of Christmas – it’s bloody tough and every year I tell myself not to worry but actually have no idea how we’re coping. Yesterday was a shit day, I was really frustrated about what we don’t have and after a long sleep and a morning working from home, I realise I’ve got to get real about how lucky we are. We might have a shit month, stress about money and need a couple of months to catch up, but we’ll get there. At the end of the day, I’ve got a beaut home, a fab Christmas tree and there’s no excuse not to feel grateful.
Christmas is my favourite time of the year but it’s also the hardest and can be one of the most stressful. The expectation to have the perfect Christmas, especially now I no longer live at home, the obligation to feel like you should be out drinking mulled wine or ice skating, the worry that giving only one present in comparison to other years might make someone think less of you, is all crazy. And yet, you can’t help but sometimes get sucked in by it all. In a bid to sort my life out and take a long, hard reality check, here are some tips to make Christmas less of a worry –
- Don’t go mental, avoid the hype, learn to say no and take time to rest and recharge – after all, its the best excuse to stay at home and watch 29494 Christmas films.
- Think about what Christmas actually means to you and don’t get lost in gift anxiety.
- Take time for yourself – if staying in with a baileys or going for a festive walk is your thing, make sure you think about yourself at this time of the year.
- Have a clean and declutter – nothing clears the mind better than decluttering your old things.
- Be realistic – set your own boundaries, find free or cheaper alternatives, set budgets and stick to your lists!
- Accept it’s all good enough – nothing has to be perfect and very little, actually is – whatever you can do will be good enough.
It has been the best week and I still have so much to be excited about this month – just gotta take a minute to remember all of the above you knoow. What are your tips for staying sane this time of year?
lovelove,
thehouseonthegreen 