10 Top Tips for Coping with Christmas Chaos (When Your Brain Feels Overwhelmed)

The Christmas season is supposed to be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, but let’s be honest—Christmas can feel more like an endless to-do list wrapped in tinsel. Between shopping, decorating, socialising and wrapping up your work for the year – as well as a mountain of gifts – it’s easy for your brain to hit its festive limit.

If the festive season already has you spinning like a snow globe, and it’s only just begun, here are 10 easy and practical tips to help you manage the chaos and actually have some fun.

1. The Two-Minute Rule

If a task will take less than two minutes, just do it. Now. Whether it’s folding some laundry, adding a gift idea to your list, or sending a quick reply to the message that just pinged into your inbox, tiny wins build momentum and keep things from piling up. There really are two times – NOW and NEVER.

Try It: Wrap one present or clean one area of the room. You’ll be amazed how often “just one” turns into “well, that wasn’t so bad”

2. Write It All Down

Your brain is juggling enough— and it isn’t designed as a storage facility! Don’t make it remember every gift idea, shopping list item, and RSVP. Externalize everything!

• Make ALL the Lists: Gifts, meals, decorations—whatever you’re managing.

• Use Tools: Try apps like Google Keep or Trello, or stick with trusty tangible paper lists. I personally find apps are out-of-sight out-of-mind so I love a pencil and scrap of paper.

3. Batch Tasks Like a Pro Elf

Multitasking may be a myth, but batching is magic. Instead of jumping between tasks, focus on similar ones in one go.

• Wrap all the presents in one session (and stick on a Christmas movie while you’re at it, mulled wine also eases the process!) – has anyone ever told you that the ironing board is the PERFECT wrapping station?!

• Knock out a whole list of errands in one trip.

• Bake in bulk—it’s less stressful and energy efficient to warm the oven up once.  Almost everything will go in the freezer and then you’ll be super smug when future-you finds the treats you forgot you stashed there!

4. Outsource Where You Can

You don’t have to do it all yourself.

• Delegate Tasks: Let family members take on gift sourcing, wrapping, decorating, or meal prep.

• Buy Pre-Made: Literally no-one will judge if food isn’t homemade.

Remember: Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of genius.

5. Use Timers to Stay on Track

Timers can work holiday miracles:

• Set a timer for short bursts of focus e.g., ‘I’ll decorate the tree for 15 minutes’.

• Use reminders for transitions e.g. Time to leave for the party or Start the oven now.  Don’t get trapped in magic-time thinking – allow extra time for travel and transitions.

6. ‘Good Enough’ is good enough

Your Christmas doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. Stop chasing impossible standards.

• Simplify: No-one will notice if the wrapping paper doesn’t match the ribbon

• Prioritise: Focus on what truly matters to you and let go of the rest.

• Done is always better than perfect.

7. Fun-ify Your To-Do List

Turn the chaos into a game to keep things light-hearted and fun.

• Gift Shopping Challenge: Can you finish your list under budget or ahead of schedule?

• Cleaning Race: Set a timer and see how much tidying you can do before it rings.

• Carols + Chores: Blast holiday tunes while you clean or cook—it’s way more fun.

8. Create a Christmas Command Centre

Keep your essentials in one spot to avoid the last-minute scramble.

• Designate a Space: A table or basket for wrapping paper, tape, scissors, and tags.

• Print out a Calendar or put up a whiteboard planner: Track key dates like parties, school events, and shopping deadlines.

9. Take Reset Breaks

Christmas burnout is real—schedule moments to recharge.

• Short Breaks: Sit down with nothing but a hot drink and enjoy the lights or some winter sunshine for 5 minutes.

• Longer Rest: Plan an evening of zero obligations other than your choice of movie, PJ’s, and snacks.

• Say No: It’s totally okay to skip events or traditions that fill you more stress than joy.

10. Celebrate Every Win (Big or Small)

Finished wrapping one gift? Winning at life! Remembered to defrost the turkey? Legendary! Every little step forward counts.  Top up your dopamine with plenty of things that feel like a treat to you.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Joyful

Christmas is about connection, not perfection. Simplify your to-do list, focus on what brings you (and your loved ones) joy, and you’ll be closer to being able to spend less time stressing and more time being present and feeling like YOU.

Jill x x x