How do we survive the festive season without getting stressed out? - a question to ChatGPT

Karen December 2022

A simple question, and I am sure the Internet is the virtual sphere full of advice. 

Open AI ChatGPT gave me the perfect answer, and I am copying here. Try a few questions yourself. It's fun, and surprisingly very accurate! 

How do we survive the festive season without getting stressed out?

The festive season can be a stressful time for many people, especially with the added pressure of gift-giving, social obligations, and financial concerns. Here are a few tips that may help you navigate the season with less stress:

1. Set realistic expectations: It's important to remember that the holidays don't have to be perfect. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to create the "perfect" holiday experience.
2. Plan ahead: Make a schedule or to-do list and try to stay organized. This can help you stay on top of tasks and reduce stress.
3. Take breaks: Make sure to take breaks and make time for self-care. This can include activities like exercise, meditation, or simply taking a few minutes to relax and unwind.
4. Be mindful of your budget: It's easy to overspend during the holidays, which can lead to financial stress. Make a budget and try to stick to it.
5. Don't overcommit: It's okay to say no to social invitations if you are feeling overwhelmed. It's important to prioritize your own well-being.
6. Seek support: If you are feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support.

Disney Festive - Gift ideas and a Give-away - "From Our Family to Yours"

Festive With Disney Retail products - gift from Disney

It's no secret that we are big fans of Disney and the magic it brings! We received a Disney Festive blog drop, and Disney is gifting one reader of this blog a give-away as well. 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Festive times are loading and we are here for this! 2020 has been hard on most of us... 

There are Disney-themed Christmas trees appearing in malls across the country. Sandton City and Clearwater Mall in Johannesburg, Woodlands Boulevard in Pretoria, Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Durban and Canal Walk in Cape Town. Visitors can spread the festive cheer by donating to Smile Foundation and Reach for a Dream.

If you haven't seen Disney's Festive advert yet, it is such a feel-good animation with the song "Love is a compass", by Griff.

 

Gift idea for the whole family - FUNKO POPS [WIN]

It's the Season of Giving, the season of spoiling your loved ones. It's sometimes so difficult to get something different and special for those close to you. That's why I love the idea of gifting a special Funko Pop to each of your family members. How cool!! It also won't break the bank especially when the budget is tight this year.

Funko Pops - CC Gammatek

It will be the most fun to choose that special Funko Pop that fits perfectly with each family member. It requires a bit of knowledge and some detective work to find out what they would love the most. The range is extensive; from football players, Game of Thrones, Marvel Superheroes, Disney princesses, DC Superheroes... There's even Sandy Olsson from Grease. She is sooo cute! These collectables will definitely awaken the spirit of starting your own collection.

Our Top 3 Toys Now - Prima Top Toys Season 2018 range

#PrimaTopToys

We have rounded the corner of 2018, and the Festive Season is upon us! Yes, really! (It's exciting) Prima Toys had their best toys reveal last week already. It's great to know what's happening in 2018, and what toys are going to be hits this year. It's not only nostalgia toys for everybody, but also collectibles that are super cute. The toys that incorporate robotics and technology are also big hits, and we are sure it is only going to increase in popularity.

The theme for 2018 is Let them explore. Children should be encouraged to enjoy and explore their world through play. To let them discover new things, new play patterns, new technology and a new ways of looking at life through play. Play has become a super important buzz word in parenting and education. Children should get MORE of it!

The three Prima Top Toys that immediately caught our attention this year...

Cresta Magical Christmas tree for SOS Children's Villages Homes

Cresta Shopping Centre has put up a magical Christmas tree in the new food court of 800 Mickey and Minnie Mouse Plush toys. These toys are available to be donated by shoppers to SOS Children’s Villages Homes.

Shoppers are able to make a donation of a minimum of R50, which will ensure that a child receives a plush toy this holiday season. Each donor is able to personalize their gift by writing their own Christmas wish on the tag, before hanging it back on the donation tree. At the lighting of the Christmas tree on 1 December R4 700 was raised towards this initiative and shoppers are encouraged to get the tree sold out before Christmas.

Cresta Shopping Centre has made credit and cash facilities available to make it easy to donate, and is ensuring that every donation is recorded.

The concept of this plush-toy tree was inspired by Disney’s toy Christmas tree that was erected for the holidays last December in London’s St Pancras Station.

We attended the lighting of the Magical Toy Tree the previous week.
This is a good cause for the festive season!

Awesome Disney Christmas Tree - Lighting of the Magical Toy Tree #ImagineMore #CrestaMagic https://t.co/FGEFSUa8ga pic.twitter.com/4rVBUSfoqe

— Karen du Toit (@karentoittoit) December 1, 2016

Dolphin body paint#CrestaMagic #ImagineMore https://t.co/dXrhw8tfif pic.twitter.com/2V9G3O0txZ

— Karen du Toit (@karentoittoit) December 1, 2016