How to celebrate a stress-free Christmas according to experts

When you become a parent, Christmas takes on a whole new meaning. It’s no longer just about your own happiness—or even the joy you share with your partner. Suddenly, it’s about creating magic for your little ones, and that shift in focus can feel both rewarding and overwhelming. Gone are the days of simply soaking up the festive cheer; now you’re the architect of someone else’s Christmas memories.

But with that joy comes a balancing act. Between endless shopping lists, school events, cooking, and trying to uphold family traditions, the holiday season can quickly morph into a chaotic juggling act. Add to that the unrelenting pressure to make everything perfect—magnified by picture-perfect images on social media—and it’s no wonder parents feel stretched to their limits.

“The holidays are supposed to be a time to relax and connect with loved ones, but for many, that’s not the reality,” explains Richard Reid, psychologist, CEO of Pinnacle Wellbeing Services, and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). “Deadlines, extensive travelling, party planning, and expensive shopping lists keep people up at night.”

The pressure to present a picture-perfect holiday only compounds the stress. “Perfectionism peaks during this time of year,” Richard adds. “There’s an overwhelming urge to be the best at everything.”

And for those grappling with depression, the holidays can be even harder. “In the UK, the lack of sunlight and the overindulgence in food and alcohol during the festive season can exacerbate symptoms,” he notes.

If you’ve found yourself feeling overwhelmed by the holidays, you’re far from alone. Studies show that over two in five Brits feel stressed during the festive season, while about one in four experiences anxiety or depression.

But the good news is that it’s possible to reclaim the joy of Christmas without succumbing to the stress. Here, we listed expert advice to help you enjoy a meaningful, stress-free holiday season.

10 ways to celebrate a stress-free Christmas

Psychologist Richard Reid and mumfluencer Chaneen Saliee share tips on how to manage holiday stress as a parent. Here are some expert-approved strategies to keep your holiday season joyful and manageable.

1. Plan and set realistic expectations

Richard suggests, “Start preparations early to avoid last-minute stress. Create a manageable to-do list and stick to it. Focus on a few meaningful Christmas traditions rather than trying to do everything.”

Mum of two and mumfluencer Chaneen shares her perspective, “When I was pregnant with my eldest daughter, my partner and I agreed that we’d create our own family traditions. Christmas is one of those traditions. I grew up in the UK, while he grew up in Nigeria, so we celebrated Christmas very differently. In the UK, it was a roast dinner, Christmas movies, and family time. In Nigeria, it was more of a community celebration—streets lined with tables, sharing food, drink, and music.

Now we’ve started our own family, and we’ve learned that Christmas doesn’t have to look a certain way. It’s whatever we make of it—and it’s different each year. The key is to make it stress-free.”

2. Involve the kids in the process

“Let your children help with decorating, wrapping gifts, or baking. Assign age-appropriate tasks to lighten your load. Turn tasks into fun, bonding activities rather than chores,” Richard recommends.

3. Avoid overcommitting

Overloading your schedule by saying “yes” too often can lead to feelings of frustration and exhaustion. It’s okay to decline invitations or requests—most friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t join every event or take on every task. If declining isn’t an option, such as when work commitments arise, look for ways to adjust other plans to create balance.

Richard advises, “Learn to say no to overwhelming events, parties, or activities. Prioritise your family’s time and energy. Only commit to traditions or activities that bring joy, not those driven by obligation.”

4. Simplify gift shopping

Let’s face it—gift shopping can be one of the most stressful parts of the holidays, especially when you feel obligated to buy something for everyone. Dr. Richard Reid recommends, “Create a budget and stick to it. Focus on giving fewer, more meaningful gifts rather than getting caught up in buying for everyone. Shopping online can save time, and planning gift exchanges is another way to reduce the pressure of buying for the entire family.”

A helpful tip for gifting relatives or grandparents is to opt for Christmas hampers. They’re a fail-safe option with plenty of variety, whether it’s beauty products, chocolates, or a mix of treats to suit everyone’s tastes.

5. Focus on experiences, not perfection

"Embrace imperfections in decorations, meals, or plans. Prioritise making memories over achieving a Pinterest-perfect Christmas. Simple family outings, game nights, or movie evenings can create cherished memories without the stress," says Richard.

Chaneen adds, “We also encourage our family to focus more on spending time and doing fun or relaxing activities rather than worrying about getting the best gifts. If I’ve learned anything since becoming a parent, it’s that children forget about their toys in a heartbeat the minute a new one comes along. On a day like Christmas, where children get up to 10 or more gifts, some of those toys don’t see the light of day after Christmas Day. "

Outings, experiences, and vacations are 'valued by children, both in the moment and for long afterward in their memory,' psychologist and best-selling author Oliver James explained to The Telegraph.

6. Streamline holiday meals

“Delegate parts of the holiday meal to other family members or opt for a potluck-style celebration. Choose easy, crowd-pleasing recipes and plan your meals in advance to avoid last-minute grocery store runs,” says Richard.

Let’s face it—Christmas food is one of the best parts of the season. But who has time to cook a big feast? Some leading supermarkets offer excellent ready-made meals that can look homemade without the effort. From Poacher’s Pie to Christmas Dinner in a Box, there are plenty of options available. We rounded our favourites here.

7. Create quiet time and downtime

Richard recommends, “Build time for rest into the busy schedule. Don’t overpack your days. Set aside ‘device-free’ moments for calming activities like reading together or walking. Encourage your kids to have quiet playtime when needed.”

8. Stick to a routine (as much as possible)

“Maintain a regular meal, nap, and bedtime schedules for your children. A predictable routine can help everyone stay calm and reduce meltdowns. Plan holiday activities around your family’s rhythm rather than disrupting it entirely,” says Richard.

9. Remind yourself of the true spirit of Christmas

Focus on connection, love, and gratitude rather than materialism. Share moments of giving, like volunteering or making charity donations as a family. Reflect on what truly matters to you and your loved ones.

Chaneen adds, “We encourage our family to focus on spending time and doing relaxing activities rather than stressing over the perfect gift. Kids forget their toys so quickly, so Christmas is more about the experience than the presents.”

10. Prioritise self-care

Above all, make time for yourself—even amidst the holiday chaos. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee, a short exercise session, or just some relaxing downtime, don’t feel guilty about creating boundaries to prevent burnout.

Dr. Richard Reid reminds us, “A happy parent leads to a happy family.”

Did you know that your beauty routine can help reduce stress and anxiety? Take this as a sign to start prioritising relaxation with a bath, face masks, or other self-care activities. Research shows that following a simple three-step skincare routine can lower cortisol levels in your body by up to 83%. Furthermore, wearing makeup has a profound psychological impact, enhancing self-esteem, mood, and confidence.

Chaneen’s Christmas bucket list

If you’re looking to create some lasting memories, here are some fun and simple ideas to incorporate into your Christmas:

Final word: If, despite your best efforts, you still find yourself struggling, don't hesitate to ask for help from a trusted family member, close friend, or mental health professional. UK mental health charities like Mind or Samaritans can provide valuable support. Remember, the key to a stress-free Christmas is embracing what truly matters: love, connection, and creating memories.

About the experts

Richard Reid is a leading coaching and psychological consultant in the UK with over two decades of experience. He has established himself as a psychology expert, coach, media spokesperson, keynote speaker, and author.

Chaneen is an author and social media influencer, who also won The Mum List 2020. Chaneen also owns her affordable breastfeeding clothing line, Chic and Discreet.

About the author

Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK. You can follow her on Instagram.