Party on...

Christmas is around the corner bringing with it shopping, houses covered in lights, Only Fools and Horses re-runs on the telly and parties. Lots and lots of parties; office parties, family parties, club parties and get-togethers with friends. My favourite is a 'Stars in your eyes party' a friend organizes each year. I get to dress up in fancy dress, meet up with folks I haven't seen since last year's party and best of all I have a great laugh dancing around and singing my song (which I usually have planned since June). My husband hates it. He has to dress up in fancy dress, go to a party where he doesn't really know anyone and worst of all he is expected to stand up and sing!

He isn't alone, for many the word party is synonymous with a sinking feeling in the stomach, I have nothing to wear, there is no-one to mind the kids, I won't know anyone and I'll probably just get drunk and make a fool of themselves or worse still end up driving.

If this is you then imagine how good it will feel now to be at a party, chatting, laughing, feeling great. You know the kids are in safe hands, you look fantastic, your favourite song is playing and everyone is up dancing...

Now I'm not going to tell you that having a good time is as easy as that because that would be too simple surely? And I don't want you to believe that you can change your outlook in time for Christmas. I just want to share with you a few tips that have benefited others:

• Leave nothing to chance   As soon as you know when and where the party is make a plan, write it down and remember to put in dates for doing each item. You might want to book babysitters, a taxi, the hairdresser, you might need to plan a shopping trip for a new outfit or presents or you might need to get some work finished.. Doing this will make it easy to go out and relax.
• Talk positively   Instead of telling yourself; “I don't want to go”, “I hate office parties” ,“I'm too tired to be bothered” say; “I'm really looking forward to the party”; “I love the office party”, “I could do with a good night out, a change from the norm”. Whenever you catch yourself being negative say the opposite immediately. Keep doing this and you will look forward to going.
• Get out your party shoes early   If you are planning on dressing up and it's been a while then dust off your party shoes and practice walking round the house in them so you get used to wearing them. Decide how to wear your hair and make-up and become competent in doing them then you'll know that you will look good on the night. And if there is going to be a disco find some time to turn up the radio and bop around your living room and remember how good it feels to have a good old boogie.
• And imagine   Imagine how good it will feel to be at the party. Imagine chatting. Imagine laughing. Imagine feeling great. Take some time to lie down, relax and let your imagination play you a movie of the best party ever. Practice doing this and as you get good at seeing the pictures imagine stepping into your body and experience the best party ever first hand.

Now, you know that Christmas is coming, you know that there will be parties, you know that if you expect to enjoy yourself you can. Enjoy!

Sarah Pineger