On the first day of Christmas I gave a gift to me: LETTING GO

I'm letting go of the 'perfect Christmas' myth and appreciating that it exists only on the television and in my dreams. I'm going to work on enjoying this holiday with all its imperfections and chaos.

On the second day of Christmas I gave a gift to me: ASKING FOR HELP

I don't have to 'do it all' this Christmas and then feel overwhelmed and resentful. Instead, I am giving myself permission to share the work-load and to ask my family and friends for help.

On the third day of Christmas I gave a gift to me: NO MORE PLEASING

I'm giving up on the notion of trying to please everyone this Christmas. It is an unachievable and totally impossible task.

On the fourth day of Christmas I gave a gift to me: BODY ACCEPTANCE

Everyday, I'm working on showing acceptance and gratitude for the body I have. I will stand tall, smile and wear clothes that I love on Christmas Day.

On the fifth day of Christmas I gave a gift to me: MAGIC

If I'm spending time with young children my own or otherwise , I'm going to pause to embrace the fun and wonder of Christmas through their eyes.

On the sixth day of Christmas I gave a gift to me: CONNECTION

I'm going to take care of myself if I feel lonely. I'll be proactive and reach out to friends, neighbours, family or maybe I'll volunteer. I'll also be compassionate and self-caring towards myself if these things aren't possible right now.

On the seventh day of Christmas I gave a gift to me: HUMOUR

I'm working to see the funny side of things  and remembering that humour can be a wonderful easer of tension.

On the eighth day of Christmas I gave a gift to me: NO DIETING

I am not depriving myself or labelling foods as 'forbidden' this Christmas, as I know this leaves me feeling miserable, and more likely to binge or over-eat later on. Instead, I'm going to eat with awareness and savour every scrumptious mouthful without guilt.

On the ninth day of Christmas I gave a gift to me: TIME OUT

I'm taking some time out for myself when things get hectic. I might go for a walk or take some fresh air. Maybe I'll go and read my new book for half an hour.

On the tenth day of Christmas I gave a gift to me: DRINK AWARENESS

I'm choosing how much alcohol I drink, showing awareness for its affects on my mood and inhibitions.

On the eleventh day of Christmas I gave a gift to me: VALUING TIME

I am not being pulled onto the material train, feeling pressurised to buy loads of stuff that we don't need and then worrying about paying it all off. I know that spending time with friends and family, whilst creating memories is more important.

On the twelfth day of Christmas I gave a gift to me: SELF-FORGIVENESS

I am regularly forgetting all the above and returning to my old ways of coping. However, I am being kind to myself and showing self-forgiveness. Like everybody else, I am a work in progress. I am trying to keep perspective and remembering that Christmas Day is only one day of the year!