The 12 don'ts of Christmas 7-12

Seven swans a-swimming

You don't have to keep going, you CAN take a break. Rushing to buy the food, peel the spuds, wrap the presents. Taking a break is essential. Take the dog for a walk, - if you don't have a dog, watch your favourite film, if you don't have a film, go to the loo and lock the door. Although, if you have a toddler, I do understand the limitations of this last one. Spend 10 minutes tonight, ALONE, making a list of things you CAN do to take a break.

Eight maids a-milking

If people drain you of your energy you don’t have to socialise. It is perfectly ok to enjoy not socialising. If being in social settings make you feel like your inner essence is being pumped out, don't do them. Do the stuff that gives you energy.

Nine ladies dancing

You do not have to go to the dance - Cinderella/Cinderfella. The prince/princess may be at the ball - but if you are grumpy or glum at going, you won't be in the right frame of mind to notice anyway. Dance at home.

Ten lords a-leaping

You do not have to feel so merry that your heart leaps for joy. It is fab if you do - but if it doesn't you're not bad/wrong/broken. It's just that today the season of joy doesn't do it for you. And that's ok.

Eleven pipers piping

You do not have to listen to people full of hot air - they are toxic. Move out of the parade. Enough said.

12 drummers drumming.

You do not have to drink so much that your head hurts the next morning and you can't remember last night. In fact you do not have to have alcohol at all. Sometimes the best times are when fun is for fun's sake, and do not involve vomiting and bruised noses, and waking up in a place you don't recognise ( with steel bars on the window?). How much more fabulous if you can wake up and enjoy the next day as well as the party.