Christmas time in Queensland is culturally constructed to be about family celebrations, eating, drinking and spending time with in laws and extended family. For some people this experience is totally overwhelming and fraught with expectations, obligations, judgement and over extending themselves to please others. Resulting in feeling resentful, frustrated and exhausted. So how can you raise the white flag and take control of your Christmas?.Getting caught up in the spending frenzy or the need to prove we care through purchasing “stuff”. The guilt of not being able to afford what you would like to get for someone or even the guilt for not wanting to spend too much on people. The stress of shopping, crowds, road rage and screaming matches in the kitchen preparing food can all get out of control. Guilt and obligation during the festive season can weigh us down and create a sense of pressure. It doesn’t have to be this way. There is another way. Your way. Instead of being a passenger getting swept away in the hype and chaos how can you take control and be in the drivers seat. What would that look like for you? Imagine for a second, how you want to drive this Christmas? Seriously just for a moment, how would your Christmas morning start, how would you be feeling over lunch, what would you be doing? If you are in the drivers seat… how would you have it play out?Imagine letting go of the pressure to have everything perfect and everyone happy with you. Imagine a stress free lunch? Imagine allowing yourself to let go of the need to have everything perfect or right for others. Just imagine for a second how that would feel. My wish for this Christmas is that families be gentle and kind with each other, waving the white flag if needed to allow a space for togetherness, for connection for laughter for sharing stories of the year and celebrating what we have to be grateful for. Give yourself permission to make this Christmas light and easy by keeping your own expectations in check, take time out when you need it and slowing down.