Vitae Chat Pūrongo December 2022
Christmas Wellbeing Key points: •
Determine your response and be realistic
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Make a financial plan
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Consider wellbeing strategies
Christmas 2022 is fast approaching! Children are beginning to anticipate their gifts from Santa and adults are looking forward to a much-deserved break to connect with family and friends.
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Sales and specials pop up regularly; make use of them and avoid leaving gift-buying until the last minute which can lead to panic and overspending. Beware of Christmas hampers and offers
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Remember that your income has to stretch over a time of year when spending is high.
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Discuss gift buying/giving with your family. You might decide to give one special present to each or perhaps only to the children. Set maximum amounts.
Daylight saving gives us extra hours to enjoy a BBQ and relaxing as we share connectedness, food indulgences and gifts given and received. • Amongst the laughter and excitement, for some, sadness and fear can arise, triggered by stressors such as financial burdens, job insecurity, family and relationship issues or not being able to connect with • family like you might have hoped. Our thoughts and attitudes decide how we respond to stressors and when these are negative or out of balance. So what are the things we can do to feel empowered and optimise our wellbeing?
Tips for financial sanity
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Home-made gifts – everyone loves your special ‘something’! And the grandparents would much prefer a special piece of children’s art to another pair of socks!
Teach the children about the value of ‘giving vouchers’ – clean the car, bring the parents breakfast in bed … be creative! If you are hosting Christmas dinner, share the work and cost load.
Remember the expense that will come in January that have to be covered too.
If finances are a huge stressor, this is the time to Now that you know you can afford to, relax review your income and spending. Knowing what and have fun! bills are due, and what your expenses are at this time of the year can help you to prioritise spending. Christmas is a time for reflection on the year that • Pay your essential bills – rent/mortgage, power, was, a time for great food, family and friends and it’s a time to take care of ourselves by integrating phone etc. before your Christmas goods. small changes throughout our day to experience • Decide before going shopping how much you happiness, laughter and joy. It can be the magical have available to cover Christmas needs. Having and refreshing time of year as intended. a written plan helps keep you to your limit.