This weekend is right time to start preparing for Christmas, says psychoanalyst

Santa’s Lapland, the festive family tour operator, has worked with expert psychoanalyst, practising coach, and therapist Steve McKeown to reveal that, despite the fact that pumpkins and sparklers are still to come, this weekend is the optimum date to start getting in the holiday spirit.

This weekend has been specifically pinpointed by McKeown as Christmas decorations, food and gifts will begin appearing in stores by this point, however scoffing at it being ‘too early’ can create feelings of cynicism that can be detrimental to our mental health.

Allowing ten weekends before Christmas to prepare prevents procrastination – caused by the increased feelings of urgency as we get nearer the big day itself – minimising the release of cortisol, otherwise known as the ‘stress hormone’, that inevitably floods our brains if preparations are left to the last minute.

According to McKeown, bringing the festive feeling as far forward as October 22 allows parents to enjoy the process of preparing for Christmas which can make the day even more special, and gives children time to prepare through smaller, more joyful activities.

McKeown, added “The brain’s pleasure mechanisms can be activated by small festive acts and spending time with family, as this stimulates the release of ‘good feel’ chemicals such as endorphins and oxytocin, which give a sense of euphoria. Taking a magical trip to Santa’s Lapland, spending time together and taking part in a whole host of unforgettable activities is the ultimate way for families to help boost festive serotonin, however there is no reason why these benefits can’t start earlier in the year and closer to home too.

“We’ve found that this weekend is the optimum distance from Christmas to maximise mini-moments of joy and minimise the potential stresses. So from today, try to dust off the decorations, plan time to bake Christmas treats with your little ones and strive to finish all present shopping before December in order to have the most magical big day possible come December 25.”

To help adults and children alike begin their magical celebrations, Santa’s Lapland has revealed the ultimate list of 64 activities to enjoy right up until the big day, in a new Countdown to Christmas list, including:

1. Begin letter writing, before posting handwritten cards with this year’s new Royal Mail Christmas stamps

2. An exclusive recipe from the Chief Reindeer Herder at Santa’s Lapland, to please all reindeers on Christmas Day

3. How-to make your own festive garland, with tips from Santa’s Lapland’s resident expert florist

4. Celebrate Stir Up Sunday with a delicious Santa’s Lapland-approved Christmas pudding recipe, to tuck into after making with the whole family

5. A plethora of arts and crafts ideas, from snow globe making to at-home snowflake decorations, to spruce up window sills across the country

For inspiration for a new activity to get into the Christmas spirit from the Countdown to Christmas list, head to the Santa’s Lapland blog: https://www.santaslapland.com/countdown-till-christmas-list/.