Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas… is to be stress-free.

(And maybe a million pounds, but I’ll take stress-free if it’s going). 

For many, Christmas is not the joyful, fun-filled day you’d expect it to be. In fact, a staggering 84% of people find the festive period the most stressful time of year. 

Mulled wine with a side of anxiety, anyone?

Whether it’s due to money worries, family estrangement, or just the absolute chaos that comes with the day (hello, sugar-powered children), there are a lot of reasons why you may feel stressed over the holidays.  

But we’re not here to add to your stress; we’re here to help. 

In this post, we’ll: 

• Discover why the festive season can increase our stress levels. 
• Unwrap some simple strategies to help you enjoy Christmas stress-free.
• Share where to find support if the holidays feel heavier than usual. 

And if you’re also looking for stress-free corporate gift ideas this Christmas, we’ve got presents perfect for the festive season.

From branded advent calendars to personalised stocking-filler favourites, we’ve got everything you need to add a sprinkle of holiday sparkle to your Christmas campaigns. 

Need a hand picking the ideal gift? Check out our range of Christmas merch below. 

What is stress? 

Feeling stressed is horrible, but have you ever thought about what it actually is? 

When an external stressor occurs, your body’s response is to immediately release the hormone adrenaline. It’s this hormone that makes you feel agitated, hyper-aware and puts you into ‘fight or flight’ mode. 

When we were cavemen, adrenaline made all the difference to our survival, helping us outrun predators and be more vigilant to dangers. However, now, your brain can’t tell the difference between a work presentation and a lion, causing your body to react to the stressor as if it were a life and death situation - when really, it isn’t (unless your manager is really scary). 

How can you tell if you’re stressed? 

Stress is unique to everyone. For some, it feels like shortness of breath, dizziness, and feeling sick. For others, it’s feeling angry. Symptoms can either be physical or psychological, but all of them are valid and equally as horrible as the next. 

If you think you feel stressed, but aren’t sure, the most common symptoms of stress are: 

• Feeling irritable or angry 
• Feeling anxious or scared 
• Stomach problems 
• Headaches 
• Feeling sick or dizzy 
• Getting a rash or hives 

In severe cases of stress, you may also experience: 

• High blood pressure 
• Chest pains 

But if you’re worried about how you’re feeling, you should reach out to your GP to chat through your symptoms more thoroughly. 

Why do you feel stressed at Christmas? 

Christmas. The season of presents, Santa, and lots and lots of food. 

However, it’s not all tinsel and baubles. 

So, why is it that so many people feel stressed at this time of year? 

There’s a lot of pressure on individuals to make this one day a year the best one yet for their loved ones, so much so that, sadly, it’s usually at the cost of their own mental health. 

Here are the five top reasons why you might be feeling stressed at Christmas. 

1. Money worries

Christmas costs A LOT. From gifts to food to decorations and travel, it can cost more than what you’ve got to have a good time, and this can put a lot of stress on you. And with 41% of people worrying about debt at Christmas, money worries are a big problem during this time of year. 

2. Logistical issues

Kids love Christmas (partly) because they get time off from school. Parents hate Christmas (partly) because kids are out of school. It’s a logistical nightmare trying to juggle work and childcare and other family commitments during the holidays, which piles on the stress before you’ve even started celebrating. 

3. Loneliness

Christmas is always portrayed as one of the happiest times of the year, thanks to big family gatherings and friends popping round - and for some, that just isn’t the reality. 

83% of people feel lonely at Christmas more than any other time of the year, which can also cause feelings of stress and guilt over not feeling the ‘right’ way. 

4. Family 

Family loss can be hard at any time of the year, but it can be especially hard to handle during the holidays. 

For some, not seeing their family during the festive season may be by choice, but that doesn’t make those feelings any easier. From estrangement to divorce, it can be hard to have those boundaries at Christmas without feeling stressed by the conflict it may cause. 

5. Difficult relationships 

Then, on the other hand, there are those who are stuck with people they would rather not be, such as those in abusive relationships or suffering trauma. They can feel even more stress to appear like they’re ‘happy’, when, deep down, they’re far from it. 

Suffering from depression, anxiety, or SAD

Seasonal stress can be made even worse if you suffer from anxiety, depression or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), with 26% of people saying Christmas makes their mental health worse. The constant pressure to ‘be happy’ is heightened during Christmas, and when you really can’t do that, it can prove even more problematic. SAD affects over two million people in the UK every year; it’s something that needs to be remembered and considered when interacting with people during the winter months. 

How to have a stress-free Christmas 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a family argument, a burnt turkey, or cauliflower (it’s NOT traditional) - but you don’t have to suffer from these seasonal stressors this year. 

Here are our top tips on how to have a stress-free Christmas. 

1. State expectations clearly 

A lot of holiday stress comes from trying to meet exceptional expectations and fearing failure. However, if you state realistic expectations before the day, and get everyone to do the same, you’ll know exactly what’s going to happen with no guilt. 

2. Don’t be afraid to say no

You are allowed to say no (honestly). If accommodating someone else’s wishes will add extra stress to your day, just say no. If they’re hurt, that’s on them. By defending your boundaries, you’ll limit your stress and have a much better time. 

3. Preparation is key

Being prepared reduces a lot of stress when it comes to celebrating the holidays. If you map it all out, there’ll be less room for surprises, and you’ll be able to better handle any last-minute changes. You’ll feel more in control, and therefore less stressed. 

“I feel no one will be surprised that I have a holiday spreadsheet. Separated by person in my family, so I can track all of the purchases and keep everything in budget. (We also celebrate Hannukkah and Christmas, so then I can remind myself which gifts I intend for which holiday....).”

Morgan Connacher, USA

4. Ask for help 

Expecting one person to do everything for Christmas is so unrealistic, it’s laughable, but that’s exactly what happens every year (we see you, mums). Delegate tasks. Get people to bring food. Organise Secret Santa. Name a Head of Entertainment. Just because it’s your home doesn’t mean you have to do everything. 

5. Budget (and stick to it)

I know it can be easier said than done, but setting a budget and sticking to it can be the biggest help for lowering your stress levels over the holidays. Budget for food, gifts, travel, excursions, activities - you name it, budget for it. 

“For my kids, I follow the rule: Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read - plus a stocking full of snacks, shower gels and socks!”

Kate Rowe, EMEA

Read more: You're going to love this festive gifting hack

6. Take breaks 

When you’re planning your day, make sure you schedule in some non-negotiable breaks throughout the day. Christmas is not the time to be feeling burnt out (that’s your turkey’s job). 

7. Ignore social media 

Sure, your favourite Instagram influencer has just posted the most perfect reel of her gorgeous Christmas tree, but that isn’t your tree, and it isn’t your Christmas. Plus, nothing is ever as perfect as it looks on social media. Ignore social media over the festive season to give your brain some comparison respite. 

8. Remember to have a good time

Christmas isn’t just about making sure everyone else is having a good time - you need to enjoy it yourself, too. Whether that’s by watching your favourite Christmas film (FYI, it’s Jude Law season, for all those that celebrate) or taking a moment for yourself, you must carve out the time to do so. 

“I always make sure that a 1L bottle of Baileys is never too far out of reach.”

Jess Cox, EMEA

9. What’s ‘perfect’, anyways? 

Pin this mantra to your fridge: “Nothing is perfect”. What is a ‘perfect’ Christmas, anyway? No two people’s ‘perfect’ is the same. Plus, perfection is majorly overrated. 

“Have a Bucks Fizz for breakfast, it helps chill you out, and in the end it's just a big chicken you need to cook.”

Kevin Wickett, EMEA

10. The Great Escape 

If you’re feeling really anxious, it’s good to have an escape plan you can easily put into motion if need be. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re trapped in a tricky situation, no matter the amount of finger food available. Line up a friend to give you an ‘urgent’ call, or set a time you’ll 100% leave by if the social stress gets too much. 

11. Be honest 

Be honest about how you’re feeling and share this with your nearest and dearest - it can make a world of difference when you’re stressed. Even if they don’t quite understand, your friends and family will then at least know what sort of headspace you’re in, allowing them to help and follow your guidance. 

12. Prioritise your routine

Make your routine a priority. Keep exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep. By keeping your usual routine, you’ll minimise the chaotic stress of the season. 

13. You don’t have to do everything at once 

This might be mindblowing, but you don’t need to do everything at once. You don’t need to decorate, put up the tree, bake, wrap presents and write cards all on the same day. Spread the tasks out amongst your family and the month to feel a lot less stressed. 

14. Community outreach 

If you find this time of year stressful, sometimes it can help to look outward into your community and reflect on your gratitude by helping others. Look out for vulnerable neighbours, donate to your local food bank, or have a winter clean and give old toys a new home.

Read more: Give more this Christmas: 13 sustainable festive branded gift ideas

15. You don’t have to like Christmas 

There. We said it. You don’t actually have to like Christmas. It’s just a holiday. It’s just a day. And if that day isn’t your jam, then that’s okay. Realising this is the ultimate festive stress-buster. It’s just a regular Thursday. No biggie. 

“Does being a Grintch count? Stressfree = not doing anything about it.”

Ruby Binfield, EMEA 

How to help some who’s struggling

If someone you know shares with you that they’re struggling with their stress over Christmas, here are a few things you can do to help them: 

• Listening to them. It’ll mean a lot to them if you listen to their worries. 
• Don’t add to their stress. If they need more flexibility, give it to them. 
• Ask how you can help. Ask them how you can help, whether that’s by bringing food or hugging them; it can mean a lot. 
• Respect their choices. Don’t add to their stress by questioning their choices when it comes to how and who they spend their Christmas with. 

Where to find help over Christmas

If you, or someone you love, needs help or advice over Christmas, here are some resources and services that are available: 

• Mind (Mental health helpline) 
• Samaritans (Mental health helpline) 
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK (Suicide helpline) 
• Beat (Eating disorders helpline)  
• Tommy’s (Support for people affected by stillbirth, miscarriage and premature birth.)
• Relate (Relationship support)
• Stand Alone (Estrangement support)
• Cruse (Bereavement support)
• Citizens Advice (Cost of Living support)
• Step Change (Debt advice) 
• Trussell Trust (Food bank and helpline) 

Gifting a stress-free Christmas 

What’s better than a big tub of festive chocolates? Receiving a personalised and meaningful gift from your favourite brand. 

Yes, please, Santa! 

If you’re looking for stress-free corporate gift ideas this Christmas, we’ve got presents perfect for the festive season.

Check out our range of Christmas merch below to add a sprinkle of holiday sparkle to your Christmas campaigns. 

FAQ: Stress and Christmas 

Q: Why do so many people feel stressed at Christmas?

A: Reasons why people may feel stressed at Christmas include financial pressure, family challenges, busy schedules, and the expectation to create a perfect holiday.

Q: How can I reduce Christmas stress before the festive season begins?

A: You can reduce Christmas stress before the festive season begins by planning early, setting realistic expectations, and creating a clear budget. 

Q: What can I do if I feel overwhelmed on Christmas Day?

A: If you feel overwhelmed on Christmas Day, take short breaks, step outside for fresh air, and give yourself permission to pause so you can reset and reduce holiday overwhelm.

Q: How can I support someone who is struggling with Christmas stress?

A: If someone is struggling with Christmas stress, listen without judgment, offer practical help, and respect their boundaries to create a calmer, more supportive environment.

Q: Is it normal not to enjoy Christmas, and what should I do if I don’t?

A: It is normal not to enjoy Christmas, with many people finding the season difficult. Acknowledging your feelings and setting a holiday routine that works for you can ease the pressure.