By Jackie Violet
Well it seems that this time of year seriously tests the patience of most women. It is hardly surprising, considering all the things we have to do in order to be fully prepared for Christmas Day.
All the presents bought, wrapped and name tagged in our bestest, neatest handwriting, Christmas cards sent off with the compulsory yet should be banned, round robin stating how everything is sooooo wonderfully perfect in our world and the children are doing oh so well in their professional career choices. (Pass the bucket please!).
Then the tree needs to be decorated to out do the local garden centre one that everybody coos over, the house decked out with so many sparkling outdoor lights, aeroplanes mistake them for the runways.
Oh and don’t forget to make, by hand, the Christmas cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding. Nigella, you really have a lot to answer for here honey.
The timing of the dinner needs to be planned, menu sorted right down to how many brussel sprouts your family will honestly eat and who’s turn is it to sit next to Auntie Maud this year. Consider seriously of ordering the turkey now so it will actually be defrosted by D- day or rather C-day.
Unfortunately, all this pressure is taking its toll on us ladies, according to research by Sheilas’ Wheels, car insurance specialists for female motorists. Surprisingly, it is not the never-ending list of chores that have be done that is making our blood pressure and tempers rise; it is the unnecessary waste of time being stuck in traffic-jams that is causing us to see red.
Over three-quarters (76%) of those questioned admitted to suffering eruptions of queue rage at Christmas. These comprise of angry outbursts against other motorists such as shouting abuse, to which 51% of women admitted, while 62% vented their anger by hitting the horn of their car. Toot, toot, Ladies. Where has your calm composure gone?
I sympathise with the 19% who simply find this all too much and promptly burst into tears behind the wheel, as the traffic in front starts to stack up – again….
The problem is that this time of year can feel like one big queue – starting off from trying to find a parking space, and then the endless wait at the tills. All you want to do is get home for a nice cup of tea before you have to deal with the next wave of preparations. So being stuck in a traffic-jam is often the final straw.
Considering almost two thirds (64%) of female motorists think that queuing in traffic ‘significantly’ eats into valuable shopping time in the lead up to Christmas, it is no wonder that internet shopping on the up.
Furthermore, over half (55%) admitted that Christmas queuing, and the anger it provokes, is the worst thing about the Christmas season, and an estimated half a million Scrooge-like female motorists even thought Christmas should be cancelled because of the extra traffic it causes on the roads.
Cancel Christmas? Perhaps that is going just a tad too far. Think of the wonderful presents you will receive on Christmas morning, lovingly and painstakingly chosen by your dear ones, who took so long in deciding what to get you that they simply had no time left to help you prepare for this festive time.
Christmas queuing, and the anger it provokes, is the worst thing about the Christmas seasonSo here is a Christmas present to you all:
Use the time stuck in traffic-jams wisely. Why not have a think about what presents you are going to buy, or plan what to wear to that imminent Christmas party?If you’re in a queue for a considerable amount of time, turn off the engine and accept that you’re not going anywhere for a while – surprisingly, this can be very calming!Stay calm with a chill-out CD, or a compilation of your all-time favorite tracks – this is guaranteed to make you feel relaxed in no time.Sing. How ever bad you may feel your voice is, in the car no one can hear you and it’s extremely therapeutic.Is you feel the pressure staring to boil revert to a child and count to ten then open and close your fist three times. Works a treat.Keep your concentration levels high whilst being stationary with mental maths like times tables.Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothes and sensible shoes. You may have to abandon the car if things get too bad.Have the white wine chilling ready for your return!Visit shopping centers early, make a day of it and come back late.Go with a few friends and stop for a long lunch or an afternoon tea.Be prepared! Download a shopping mall map and plan your route in advance.Don’t leave bags on show in the car. Lock them in the boot. You don’t want a dodgy scrupulous thief smashing your windows and grabbing your precious items that you have spent hours queuing for.Have a second bottle of white wine chilling as Internet shopping actually takes longer than you think.Whatever you do, do not think of the sales – yet! Patience really is a virtue.
Merry Christmas!
All-Time Family Favorite Holiday Recipes – Over 300 recipes to plan your memorable holiday menus. From great main dishes like Kevin’s Roast Duck W/Orange Sauce and side dishes like Heavenly Holiday Sweet Potatoes to cookie favorites like Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies and tasty breads like Christmas Bread, this list of a few of the over 300 recipes is the only collection you will need to plan your memorable holiday menus.Kids Christmas Activities Package – Keeping kids happy and busy at Christmas is easy if you have the right activities to give them. These printable Christmas activities and games for children give kids hours and hours of good, old fashioned TV-free fun! With these colorful, fun and educational Christmas worksheets and Christmas games, kids will think that it’s Christmas day already.Winter Child Treasure Hunt Game – Many moms would like to plan a treasure hunt, but are daunted by the planning and the preparation. Children love treasure hunts and this is the easy way to create an enthralling winter party game. This is the easy way to create a unique and exciting treasure hunt game that will have the children talking for ages.Related posts:
Christmas Shopping Online: Tips For Safe, Fun Holiday Gift BuyingHow To Buy A Christmas Tree: Shopping Tips For The Best ExperienceHoliday Stress Relief: Tips To Reclaim Your Christmas SpiritFree Christmas Party Game Ideas That Create Joy And LaughterChristmas Presents: How To Buy Gifts That Will Be Treasured
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