'Stress-free' Christmas call
Updated on 21 December 2008
Families should set low expectations to ensure a stress-free Christmas, according to a leading charity.
International Stress Management Association (ISMA) UK issued the advice ahead of the festive season, when tiredness, financial pressure and family tensions all add up.
Ann McCracken, chairman of ISMA UK, said families put pressure on themselves by setting their hopes too high.
She said: "It's all about people's perceptions of Christmas.
"They have such huge, high expectations of Christmas - and when you have high expectations there's usually one outcome.
"They want it to be wonderful, they want it to be living and caring, and expectations are set high.
"Really, you have to have realistic expectations to make sure your Christmas is stress free."
Ms McCracken said it was important to set realistic expectations for children as well.
"You need to help them understand that it's not worth getting into debt for presents.
"You need to be innovative, but again set expectations much lower."
These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.
