Your guide to a stress-free joy-full Christmas

The festive season is supposed to be fun, but many people spend this time of the year feeling stressed, lonely or sad. Here are our tips for making this a time to enjoy, not a time to be endured.

Keep the kai simple
Food is generally a key element for Kiwi get-togethers, whether it’s a casual summer barbecue or a Christmas Day feast, but there is an ever-present danger we will spend so long in the kitchen that we miss out on spending time with our guests or visiting family. This year, instead:

•      Plan ahead - decide on your menu as early as possible and work out what you need to buy.

•      Prep ahead – work out what parts of the meal you can make in advance and keep in the fridge or freezer so you can enjoy the time you have with your guests.

•      Keep it simple – everyone wants to enjoy good company and good food. But that doesn’t mean you need a seven-course meal or four different options for meat mains. In fact, it’s okay to invite guests for a short food event such as drinks and dessert or bubbles and brie (sparkling wine and a cheese board) if you want to catch up but can’t face catering an entire meal.

•      Eat outside when you can. Not only does this keep everyone safer in these Covid times, it’s also more informal and relaxing for everyone, including the host. You don’t need fancy outdoor furniture – throw picnic rugs on the ground and opt for finger food or dishes you can eat easily with a fork.

•      Cater for the kids – if you know you are going to have several younger guests, look at having child-friendly, easy options such as pizza, pasta or even sausages on the barbecue. Then you can feed the kids first, put on a movie or set up games and let the adults enjoy a more leisurely, sophisticated meal in peace.

•      Have staples on standby – sometimes a gathering turns into an impromptu meal together. Those unplanned events can be the most fun, unless you are the one suddenly trying to find enough food to feed two families. Ordering in is one option but a cheaper, healthier alternative might be popping a batch of previously made, frozen Bolognese mince in the microwave and boiling up a couple of packets of spaghetti. Or put some pre-made chicken kebabs on the barbecue, whip up a salad and send someone out for garlic bread.

•      Ask for help. If you love to cook and enjoy the effort that goes into planning, preparing and producing a meal, knock yourself out. If you are more into the fellowship than the food, opt for a potluck meal and ask everyone to contribute. Don’t be afraid to assign some people mains and others desserts – you can’t live on chocolate brownie alone.

•      If you are having guests to stay or heading away, order an extra bag of Te Atatu Toasted cereal or try our Breakfast Selection so you know you have a healthy, delicious breakfast sorted.

Managing money pressures

For many households, Christmas is the most expensive time of the year. It’s not just the gifts — it’s the food, travel, end-of-year events, holiday activities and the pressure to “make it special”. If you’re already juggling bills or carrying debt, the season can feel overwhelming instead of joyful. A few simple steps can help ease the strain:

•      Set a realistic budget for the whole season, not just presents — include food, travel, events, school holidays and any hosting you’ll be doing.

•      Prioritise what truly matters and ease up on the rest. A memorable Christmas doesn’t require a trolley full of premium snacks and three different meats.

•      Plan early to avoid last-minute panic spending. Spreading costs out over a few weeks can help keep things manageable.

•      Consider low-cost or alternative approaches such as Secret Santa, handmade gifts, shared experiences, or “kids only” gifting in large families.

•      Be honest about what you can afford. Friends and whānau are often relieved when someone suggests scaling things back.

•      Remember that thoughtful gestures matter more than price tags. A handwritten note, framed photo or homemade treat often means more than something expensive bought in haste.

If you want more ideas, check out our blog post 20 top tips for Christmas on a budget.

Navigating family and relationship dynamics

Christmas can bring people together — but it can also bring up old patterns, different expectations and the occasional clash of personalities. A few small strategies can help keep things calm:

•      Agree on plans early so nobody feels blindsided or pressured on the day.

•      Set gentle boundaries — it’s okay to protect your energy, leave early or limit difficult topics.

•      Create new traditions that feel easier and more inclusive, rather than forcing everyone into the same routine every year.

•      Share the load. Hosting, cooking, childcare and gift costs don’t need to fall on one person.

•      Remember that not every moment needs to be magical — a relaxed, low-key Christmas can be just as meaningful.

•      Be flexible where you can. Traffic, late flights, tired kids and changing family needs mean plans may shift. A bit of grace goes a long way.

•      If you are negotiating a blended family or shared custody, plan the schedule well in advance, ideally with input from the kids if they’re old enough. Keep communication respectful and focused on the children’s wellbeing, and avoid competing Christmases. Kids don’t need two “perfect” days — they need calm, connection and space to enjoy both homes.

Time pressure and overloaded calendars

By December, most people are already exhausted from a long year. Add in school events, work deadlines, social invitations and last-minute shopping, and it’s no wonder the season can feel overwhelming. Lighten the load by:

•      Prioritising what truly matters and letting go of the rest. You don’t have to attend every function or say yes to every request.

•       Blocking out downtime in your calendar so you don’t arrive at Christmas Day running on empty.

•      Doing tasks in small bursts — 10 minutes of wrapping, tidying or prepping at a time can make a huge difference.

•       Keeping gatherings simple. A picnic, a walk or a coffee catch-up can replace a full-scale event.

•      Remembering you don’t need to host or participate in everything — saying “no, thank you” is perfectly acceptable.

This is also a good place to acknowledge end-of-year exhaustion: you’re not imagining it — December is a lot. Be kind to yourself.

Travel logistics

Whether you’re hitting the motorway or flying across the country, travel adds its own layer of stress. Try:

•      Leaving extra buffer time so delays don’t derail your day.

•      Packing snacks, water and sunscreen for summer travel.

•      Creating a small “calm kit” for kids — colouring, games or audiobooks can be lifesavers.

•      Checking gift sizes and liquids before flying to avoid repacking at the airport.

•      Sharing driving duties where possible so everyone arrives less frazzled.

Grief, emotions and the pressure to make everything perfect

For many, Christmas brings complicated feelings — missing loved ones, navigating big life changes or feeling lonely despite being surrounded by people. Layered on top is the cultural pressure to create a picture-perfect day. You can ease some of the emotional load by:

•      Giving yourself permission to feel whatever you feel — joy, sadness, or a mix of both.

•      Creating small rituals to honour people who aren’t here, if that’s meaningful for you.

•      Simplifying expectations. A “good enough” Christmas is still a good Christmas.

•      Letting others help. You don’t need to carry the emotional or practical load alone.

•      Making space for quiet moments — a walk, a breather in the garden or a cup of tea away from the crowd.

Weather and seasonal realities

A New Zealand Christmas comes with its own quirks — sunshine, sudden rain, humidity and a lot of outdoor time. You can stay ahead by:

•      Planning heat-friendly menus that won’t wilt in the sun — salads, cold meats, fresh fruit and frozen desserts work well.

•      Setting up shade and water stations if you’re hosting outdoors.

•       Keeping sunscreen, hats and insect repellent within easy reach.

•      Being flexible — summer showers can appear out of nowhere, so have an indoor option ready.

•      Preparing food that travels well if you’re heading to the beach or a park (think wraps, fruit platters and chilled drinks).

Best wishes for a happy festive season from the team at Te Atatū Toasted! xx