It may be a time of peace and goodwill, but I’m sure it’s not just me who feels more than capable of blowing a gasket during The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year. The good news is that there are some fun ways to combat Yuletide tensions. Having a sense of humour is key to coping with many stressful situations, says Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Navit Schechter (consciousandcalm.com). ‘Laughter releases the hormone oxytocin, which makes us feel more content and connected to others,’ she explains.
A good old titter can break the ice, ease tension and generally make everyone feel all warm and fuzzy – but how can you inject some hilarity into the proceedings this Christmas? Try these tips for starters.
1 SHARE YOUR CHRISTMAS CATASTROPHES
Last year, my friends and I set up a WhatsApp group to celebrate our kitchen disasters. Highlights included incinerated mince pies, a veggie pie without a filling, and a much-loved cat tucking into the fish pie while everyone was enjoying drinks next door. Our conversation thread soon filled with pics of Nigella looking suitably appalled, and it turned out to be a festive highlight.
2 LISTEN TO SOMETHING FUNNY
This story is from the December 2023 edition of woman & home South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2023 edition of woman & home South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Used car SCAMS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Whether you're buying or selling, here are the dodgy deals to watch out for
Bliss in the BUSH
Not even the rain could dampen the spirit and beauty of a visit to Lalibela Game Reserve
Caramel CREATIONS
Three classic French sweets to round off dinner with friends
WINTER houseplant care
Bring extra greenery and life into your home when it's grey and gloomy outside
10 ways to LIVE WELL UNTIL...
It's the little lifestyle changes that can make a big difference
THE DESPAIR Of WINTER
Winter does sap one’s energy, to be sure, and you want to snuggle on the couch with a good book, but for some people, winter brings serious mental health issues
IT'S CRUNCH TIME
Noisy eaters, beware: Christabel Smith has had and heard! - enough
Pillars OF SUPPORT
We should all be paying it forward, and these women are helping to set an example
Gracefully COMMITTED
Anne Hathaway has shaken off her princess crown and is showing the world that she is more than capable of being the queen of the screen through hard work, commitment and being authentically herself
Till death do us part
It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages, said Nietzsche. He may be on to something, says Lorraine Kearney
