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By Pamela Agboga.
Credit: dailyvenusdiva.com
Christmas comes but once a year, and now it is here; with the attendant physical, mental and emotional pressures of satisfying so many desires. This Christmas has to be better than the last, and the magic has to be kept alive. Where to go, what to eat, and who to do it with; these questions can take the fun out of the holiday. Here’s the ‘C to S’ of how to take out the stress and reinstate the pure fun of the season. C-lean early and easy: Most Nigeria families literally ‘wash’ the entire house at Christmas, the curtains come down, and the rugs get beaten out and/or washed. Make Christmas easier by doing all the heavy cleaning in November or January. H-ealthy eating and exercise: Having too much food drinks and not drinking enough water or exercising puts more stress on your body system. Do not let go of any good health habit during the holidays, it might be very hard to catch on to again after the yuletide season. R-eally simple decorating: If you don’t have the strength to get out the 8ft tree, never mind, Santa does not take off points for not having a tree, and the reason for the season, Christ, really doesn’t care for it. If someone comments, show him where the tree is stored and say, ‘Be my guest.’  I-nvest in disposables: Disposable plates, cups, forks and spoons were created for a purpose; eateries do not have a monopoly on these items. A pack is cheap, and can last a few more birthdays and Christmases. S-imple meal: Leave out the jollof and fried rice paparrazi and make the native soup that you can prepare with your eyes closed.  Many adults prefer native food at Christmas, and children won’t fuss so much if you can bribe them with something special. So cook less variety and quantity, and sit with your visitors and enjoy their company. You can also order snacks and small chops and make Christmas meal a light buffet of sorts. T-ake it easy: Buy what you cannot cook or bake, that’s what the stores are for. Sit and take in a movie, spend time with friends that make you laugh. If you are alone for Christmas, rent or borrow books or movies you like. Make it a fun Christmas for you, and relax. M-e Time: when everyone is happy, and you are dog tired, leave them for a while and take a breather. And during the day take like an hour to just take a walk and breath some fresh air. When you feel rested, return to the party and enjoy yourself. A-ppoint delegates: Anyone who darkens your doorsteps from the 22nd has anointed himself your friend, and therefore is eligible to help in the kitchen, living room, back yard, or any odd place where you need help. After all, isn’t that what Christmas is about, helping in the spirit of friendship? S-wing by someone else’s for Christmas: Yes, it isn’t cheating, from the 24th to 26th, book down to visit some close friends. You don’t have to sleep over, just stay long enough to get free lunch and avoid any visitors coming to your home to stress you out. Freeloading is nine-tenth of the Christmas law. Remember the ‘CHRISTMAS’ method of relieving stress, and have a restful holiday.  
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This article was first published on 20th December 2012 and updated on January 16th, 2013 at 10:42 am

pagboga

Chojare Pamela Agboga is a Legal Practitioner, Writer, Editor, Chartered Secretary and Administrator. She is currently working on her first novel 'Weekends are for Loving' as well as a devotional for women.

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