This Christmas focus on what truly matters – connection, the chance to rest and relax, and spend time doing what’s important to you.
The holiday season is just around the corner, and often there is high societal expectations to get everything just right. Whether it’s finding the perfect gift, hosting the ultimate Christmas lunch, or managing tricky family dynamics, it can feel like there’s little room left to actually enjoy the season. On top of that, the constant hustle and bustle of everyday life can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin at the end of the year. It’s also easy to forget that Christmas isn’t always a joyous time for everyone, especially those who are coming to terms with a change in how they are spending this time of year. With a few strategies and tools, you can make the most of what’s often a busy time of year.
At Relationships Australia Tasmania, we understand how important it is to take care of ourselves. Sometimes, it’s the simple things, a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or a peaceful walk outside, that offer the most relief. Setting boundaries around our time and energy is essential so that the demands of the season don’t take over. By taking a moment to reset, we can approach the season with more gratitude, allowing ourselves to truly enjoy it, rather than just getting through it.
One of my favourite parts of the holiday season is the time between Christmas and the new year. It’s a chance to pause, reflect on the year that was, think about what I’ve learned, what’s been achieved, and perhaps what’s still unfinished. This period isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about recognising progress and celebrating the wins, no matter how small.
The new year is a great time to reset and set ourselves up for success. With the holidays may come gifts and material possessions that can quickly clutter your space. Take this opportunity to assess what you truly need and clear out what’s no longer used. Whether it’s reorganising, donating, or simply tidying up, decluttering creates a fresh and clear environment. Starting the year with a clean, organised space helps you feel focused, energised, and ready for new possibilities.
Our advice for this time of year? Slow down. Take time to plan for the weeks ahead. However you choose to spend the festive season, prioritise what matters most to you and make sure to carve out time to recharge. Embrace the season, rest, and step into the new year with intention and renewed energy!
Dr Michael Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer at Relationships Australia Tasmania
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Media Contact: A.Mark Thomas, M&M Communications, 0422 006 732
About Relationships Australia Tasmania
At Relationships Australia Tasmania we provide families, couples, individuals, older people, children and communities with tools and strategies, so that they have healthy, positive lives. We help more than 8000 Tasmanians every year to transform and change their lives through counselling, mediation, dispute resolution, support and training.
Our focus is on:
- healthy relationships, conflict resolution, parenting, cultural issues and mental health
- We offer people the services and support they need, when they need it to assist them when life presents challenges.
- Services are available to all people regardless of cultural background, family structure, economic situation, religious beliefs, gender or sexual orientation.
More information about the services and support we offer can be found on our website www.tas.relationships.com.au