For many, Christmas can be an overwhelming season. There is so much to do and places to be, it’s not surprising some of us find it daunting. Just imagine you are one-half of the world’s busiest duos at Christmas.
It's the most wonderful time of the year - make the season more enjoyable by stopping stress in its tracks.
Unsung heroine, Mrs Claus takes a moment from her jam-packed schedule to share her tips for a tear-free yuletide.
Q: So how did it all start?
A: When I married Mr Claus in 1849, he was already giving gifts to children in need, and it just spiralled from there. It was trial and error at first, and he was nearly spotted several times, but with advances in technology and a big sprinkle of Christmas magic, we can now deliver gifts to millions of children all around the world.
Q: What is your role in operation Christmas?
A: During the year, I help Santa go through his letters and put them in alphabetical order and check his naughty and nice list to make sure there are no mistakes. I keep all the elves in check, they can be a little cheeky.
On “C” Day, I make sure everyone keeps calm, remind everyone to take deep breaths and enjoy the moment. It doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be merry, and that’s what Christmas is all about, being kind to one another.
Q: With so much to do, how do you get it all done?
A: Some may say they make a list and they make it twice, but I usually make 365 lists a year, one at the start of every morning. I’m also a fantastic delegator, everyone has a role to play, even the youngest elf.
Q: What singer/Chrissy album will you be listening to this Christmas?
A: I do love a bit of Mariah Carey, Santa loves Sinatra.
Q: Does Santa go on a special diet ahead of Christmas Eve to make room for all the sweets children leave out?
A: Santa does have a very sweet tooth, so I make sure he eats plenty of fruit and vegetables in the run-up to Christmas.
Q: What would you like for Christmas?
A: Spending a relaxed day with my husband, elves and reindeer is what I look forward to most, but a new handbag would be nice.
So if you are finding yourself stressed this Christmas, please spare a thought for Mrs Claus and breathe, relax and enjoy.
Merry Christmas.
Mrs Claus’s five top tips
1. Don’t procrastinate: If there is a job you hate do it quickly so you can move on to your day without a cloud over you.
2. Delegate: Everyone can help with Christmas preparations. Don’t be a martyr. Tell the children to tidy up, after all, Santa hates stepping on Lego.
3. Wrap as you go: Who needs to spend Christmas Eve wrapping literally billions of presents?
4. Prune the “to-do-list”: Does everything really need to be done? Why not make it easy and scratch some chores.
5. Keep it simple: Take the crazy out of Christmas, and remember to have fun, relax and enjoy.
