Edel Coffey: Christmas brings with it a whole lot of pressures 

The pressure to go big on your outdoor lighting decoration scheme, the attendant financial worries and the expectation that you will be your most sparkling, delightful social self, dressed up to the nines and available for every and any coffee/cocktail/party invitation that comes your way

Stylist magazine recently described the particular flavour of stress that comes with December burnout as a ‘crucible’. Picture: Nick Ansell

Last week as I hurried past a shop window on Grafton street, I caught sight of my stressed head reflected back at me from the festive window, as a snatch of song floated through the shop doors: ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year.’ 

It suckered me like a punch.