Ah, Christmas in Australia—a time for backyard cricket matches, squashing as much as you can in the recycling bin and sweating through your Santa hat.

It’s the season of carols in 35-degree heat, trying to keep the pavlova from collapsing and dodging the annual family argument about Karl going home bereft whilst wanting to choke Harry with that trashy necklace and smack him with some Joni Mitchell home truths. But let’s face it: for many Aussies, the holidays can feel like running a gauntlet of financial pressures, family expectations, and New Year’s resolutions lurking on the horizon.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A recent survey revealed that 88% of people feel stressed during the holidays (American Psychological Association). So, in the spirit of humour and jest, let us ponder ways to handle the silly season without losing your cool or your sense of humour.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up—Take a Beat, a Breath, a Moment

Perfection? That’s for Hallmark movies. The rest of us are just trying to make sure the BBQ isn’t on fire and that nobody cries over Monopoly. If you feel yourself spiralling, stop. Take a deep breath. Maybe two. Repeat: It’s okay if the gravy is lumpy. No one is going to give you a Skippy Badge for being host of the year. Tip; the loo is your best friend for a sit and breathing session. (Just make sure the uncles haven’t used it first)

Listen to Your Body (It’s Passive-Aggressively Screaming at You)

Stress likes to hang out in your neck, shoulders, and jaw—basically anywhere that makes you look like a turtle. If your body feels like it’s staging a revolt, stretch, breathe, or flop dramatically onto the couch for five minutes. Your body isn’t subtle, so pay attention before it schedules a full meltdown.

Set Boundaries—Even for Uncle Gazza

Family time can be beautiful, but let’s be honest: it can also be like herding cats… with opinions. Family gatherings are like an Aussie summer storm: intense, unpredictable, and occasionally dramatic. Set limits before you dive in. Decide how long you’ll stay, what’s off-limits (politics, anyone?), and have an escape plan for when Uncle Gazza starts debating climate change after three beers. Everyone is different; we don’t all have to agree, and life would be boring without contrast, right? Or…..

Wine helps. I heard a cracker recently where Miss H plans for a friend to call her at a certain time, staging an “Oh my gosh, I have to dash” call, like a bad Tinder date rescue. Sometimes, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Focus on What You Can Control (Hint: It’s Not Other People)

You can’t stop your cousin from bringing that weird salad with the canned pineapple or your sibling from passive-aggressively commenting on your gift-wrapping skills. But you can control your own reactions. When in doubt, smile, nod, and pass the pavlova. Learn how to change subjects with tactful diplomacy, and soon, you will be slicker than a barista’s latte art.

Take an Hour to Reflect (Without Eye-Twitching)

Before the festive chaos kicks off, take some time to reflect. Write down five things you’ve learned and five things you’ve nailed this year. Celebrate your wins—no matter how small. Survived Sydney traffic? That counts. Didn’t burn the biscuits? Huge. You deserve a gold star (or at least a cookie) for making it through 2024. If you’re feeling fancy, add more to the list—it’s like a mini applause break for yourself.

Budget Like a Boss (Santa Would Approve)

Let’s be real: Christmas isn’t cheap. Before splurging on matching swimsuits for the family photo, set a budget and stick to it. And remember, meaningful gifts don’t have to cost a fortune—unless you’re buying air conditioning, which we all know is priceless in December. Homemade gifts can be a lovely and environmentally friendly heartfelt alternative, too!

Plan Downtime (Think Cold Drinks and Quiet Corners)

The Aussie summer heat can sap your energy faster than a great aunt with a penchant for endless chatter, so block out time for yourself. Whether it’s a solo swim, a lazy afternoon nap, or a quiet cuppa in the shade, you’ll thank yourself later. Maybe it’s an hour of daydreaming—you’re Laura Linney, but instead of playing her selfless, sacrificing character, you do a Noni Hazelhurst and boldly tell your brother, “Go the F*** to sleep, darling.” Whatever floats your boat. Think of it as recharging your “don’t snap at people” battery.

Communicate Your Needs (Or Just Chuck a “Do Not Disturb” Sign on the Esky)

If you’re juggling hosting duties, cooking, and maintaining your sanity, speak up. Ask for help. Share the load. Or, if all else fails, make an announcement: “This year, it’s a bring-your-own-prawn situation.” Or show up with a whistle and a clipboard—teamwork makes the dream work, right?

Limit Screen Time (And Resist the Insta-Envy)

Nothing fuels festive FOMO faster than scrolling through curated Instagram feeds of flawless beach picnics and Pinterest-worthy grazing boards. Spoiler: That picnic was probably swarmed by seagulls. Focus on your own messy, authentic celebration.

Going it Alone?

Find a neighbour or a friend to share the season with, or better yet, volunteer. Many places around the country are in need of a helping hand at Christmas. Keeping busy and being in service to others is a wonderful prescription for fighting off feelings of loneliness—and who knows, you might just find yourself making someone else’s holiday brighter in the process.

Remember the Big Picture (It’s Not About the Wrapping Paper)

At the end of the day, Christmas in Australia isn’t about perfectly folded serviettes or mastering your nan’s rum ball recipe. It’s about connection, laughter, and surviving the heat without melting into a puddle.

So, take a breath, pour yourself a cold one, and give yourself a break. Christmas is about making memories, embracing the chaos, and maybe even winning the backyard cricket game. Christmas can be a lot of things for many people. For our family, it is a special time to celebrate our Christian faith. Remember: If Kevin McCallister can take on two burglars at Christmas, you can survive your outlaws. You’ve got this!

Helpful Support Services for Tough Times

Lifeline
Website: www.lifeline.org.au
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7 Support)

Beyond Blue
Website: www.beyondblue.org.au
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7 Support)

Suicide Call Back Service
Website: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Phone: 1300 659 467

Kids Helpline
Website: www.kidshelpline.com.au
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (For ages 5-25, available 24/7)

MensLine Australia
Website: www.mensline.org.au
Phone: 1300 78 99 78

Headspace
Website: www.headspace.org.au
Support for young people aged 12-25

SANE Australia
Website: www.sane.org
Phone: 1800 18 7263

1800RESPECT
Website: www.1800respect.org.au
Phone: 1800 737 732 (Support for sexual assault, family, and domestic violence)

National Debt Helpline
Website: www.ndh.org.au
Phone: 1800 007 007 (Free financial counseling)

Emergency Services
Phone: 000 (For immediate danger or emergencies)

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Amidst life’s trials and tribulations, some find themselves pondering the profound mysteries of existence. Then there are the brave souls, those who delve deep, evolve, and learn, leading to transformative paths.

Fiona Failla is an example of this inspiration. A successful businesswoman, Fiona embarked on a quest into the mysteries of life and spirituality to become the esteemed author of Reality and Beyond This World, A Beginner’s Guide to Self Actualisation. We ponder with Fiona on what led her to become an author and the journey.

 Fiona, you’re an award-winning businesswoman who is now the best-selling author of Reality and Beyond This World, A Beginner’s Guide to Self Actualisation. How did the shift from the business world to the realm of spiritual guidance unfold for you? Was there a particular moment that opened this new direction?  

Covid took a huge toll on me, as it did on many people. I was working many hours supporting business owners who were not able to operate during the lockdowns. During this time, I started to question if there was more to life, as working long hours was not sustainable. Then, my mother passed away, and my unrest increased. I also wanted and needed to be there for my father moving forward. This is how my journey started as I then made the decision to sell my business and align myself with what brought me joy in life.

The book is very much inspired by your own journey through a crisis. Looking back, would you say this challenging time was a blessing in disguise? What new perspective did it give you on life and your purpose?

I would always say that challenging times were definitely a true blessing, as I could not have appreciated the true value of life if there had not been challenges to face.

My life changed to appreciating each moment and everything in life as I realised that from everything that we face, we learn and grow. There is so much beauty in this world that we can tap into just by using simple tools like gratitude and changing our perspective on different things that happen in our lives.

Many resources were available, but I couldn’t find anything simple, easy to read, and a go-to book.  

This was part of the reason to provide a beginner’s guide. The other part was that my higher self was pushing me to write this book, as once published, my husband’s business would sell. Our higher self knows exactly how to motivate us.

Now that the book has been completed, my world still feels surreal. Writing this book a year ago wasn’t even on my radar, but now I am so excited that I have a resource for many who are also starting on their journey.

For many people, meditation, chakras, and energy work can sound a bit intimidating at first. How did you make these concepts approachable for readers, especially those who might be dipping their toes into spirituality for the first time?  

I spent a lot of time breaking down concepts into more simplified language. This helped me to explain how I viewed meditation, chakras, and energy work. By showing different ways of meditating, explaining the chakras and how they affect us, explaining how we are made of energy, and helping readers understand that energy health is just as important as physical health, I would make it easier for others to understand the basic concepts.

The reviews mention that the book feels like an easy, friendly conversation—almost as if you’re right there talking with the reader. Was it important for you to write in a style that was warm and personal, and did this style come naturally to you?  

I am so glad that the book came across as having a friendly conversation with the reader, as that is me. That is my natural style. I am so grateful to the reviewers for feeling the warm and personal style, as that was my intention.

I remember when I was young, my mum and I were always trying to interpret our dreams. We also believed that our loved ones were always with us and that they would send us messages through our dreams.

Otherwise, most practices were part of my discovery along my journey, and that is why I included them in the book; they helped me greatly.

I absolutely love and believe that daily affirmations work for manifesting and being grateful every day for different things that happen in our lives. I have always thought that everything happens for a reason and things will happen in divine time.

Self-actualisation can sound like a lofty concept, yet you frame it in a way that feels within reach. What does self-actualisation mean to you personally, and how has this understanding changed throughout your journey?  

To me, self-actualisation is all about living your best life. Over the course of my journey, my understanding has expanded to include that we must live our most authentic lives, being true to who we are and what we align to. It does not matter what others think or do; it is what you truly believe is right for you.

Transitioning from businesswoman to author and spiritual guide must have come with its own set of surprises and lessons. Was there anything you learned about yourself in this process of writing and reflecting that took you by surprise?  

I learnt that I needed to follow my beliefs and not let others steer me from what I set out to do. It would have been very easy to stop writing this book, as some were a bit shocked that I had decided to go along this journey. I realised I had the strength to align with my purpose and not feel any guilt, shame, or embarrassment about my beliefs.

Your background is rooted in the business world, which often prizes tangible results over intangible growth. Did you face any challenges in reconciling these two worlds, and how did you come to embrace both?  

I didn’t face any challenges reconciling the tangible results with the intangible growth. If you are living your most authentic and true life, the intangible growth will bring a world of abundance, which can include tangible results, depending on what abundance means to you.

The book includes practical exercises and tools, which one reviewer mentioned returning to frequently. How do you hope readers will engage with these tools—are there any that you think of as particularly transformative?  

As we move through life, different tools will be applicable to each period, and other tools will seem more relevant to other periods.

A tool that I have referred to many times throughout the book is gratitude. There are so many ways of showing gratitude for what we have and what we have experienced, but it is just so easy to forget to be grateful at that time, as many do not see the value of what there is to be grateful for.  

The AWARE formula can be very transformative. These are the steps to check to see if your ego is influencing your behaviour. Then, there are tools that can help you make the change that you are seeking.

Travelling, seeing new sights, and having new experiences bring me an unexplainable amount of excitement and wonder. I feel so fortunate to be able to travel, and I immerse myself in the experience at hand.

Home-cooked meals with the family are a time for us to reunite, talk, and bond. These meals are also a time of celebration and support in times of need.

Time in nature is my me time. It is my recharging time, taking in the sounds and the air, and this is my way of grounding.

Take one step at a time. Start with something small that you can do like smiling and saying Thank you. It is your journey of self-discovery; it is not a race; it is about learning new things and living in the moment. Your purpose in life will unfold if you live your most authentic life. Trust your gut feeling and know that if something feels positive and the energy surrounding it brings you joy, then you are on the right path.

Reality and Beyond This World is available at all leading online book stores in Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle, E-Book, Mobi, and Apple. You can also find her book in independent stores. See below for more info about Fiona and her journey and where to purchase your copy.

Read industry reviews here.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Fiona-Failla-Writes/61563777774531/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fionafaillawrites

TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@fionafaillawrites 

Youtube: Fiona Failla https://www.youtube.com/@FionaFailla 

Website:  https://linktr.ee/fionafaillawrites 

Amazon Author Page

BookBub Author Page

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