Over the past fifteen years I've tried to grab hold of the Christmas reins early and lovingly guide my way through December. I've found that thinking about Christmas, prior to being swept up in the craziness of it all, does absolute wonders for my wellbeing, and most importantly for the wellbeing of my family.
Here are my top eight ways to enjoy the lead up to Christmas.
1. Create a Christmas Mantra
Create a little saying or affirmation that makes you feel good about December. Christmas is not just about the 25th but the lead up is just as important. Your mantra may be something like, “I love Christmas and I enjoy connecting with family and friends at this time of year.” This small statement is a personal reminder of what Christmas time means to you.
It's a beautiful yet simple way to keep you focused on what is really important this festive season.
2. Go slow
Choose to walk, drive, eat, drink and talk in a cool, calm and thoughtful manner during the month of December. Rushing around, from here to there, serves no useful purpose. The unnecessary ‘busyness’ makes the month of December feel like it is an emergency situation. It has the potential to turn an ordinarily calm mum into a bundle of knots. By consciously choosing to slow down, you invite more peace, harmony and joy into the Christmas preparation time.
This slight change in mindset, positively affects your energy and your loved ones will reap the benefits. By moving slowly in December, we make time to remind ourselves of the true spirit of Christmas. The way you spend your time planning and preparing for this annual event has a direct impact on the energy you bring to Christmas Day. By making your preparations an enjoyable experience, you help ensure that your 2019 Christmas day, is your most successful Christmas to date!
3. List your Loves & Loathes
Write a list of all your Christmas Loves – include things you like doing in the lead up to Christmas. Then, note down your Christmas Loathes – include things you don't enjoy but feel you have to do. This December, decide to do less from the ‘loathes list’ and more from your 'loves list'.
Give yourself permission to take it a little easier this Christmas period. Choose to attend the celebrations which bring out the best in you and politely decline the ones you know will leave you feeling drained. It may mean you'll have to let others know that you're going slow and doing less in the lead up to Christmas Day.
4. Take five minutes everyday
Begin each day in December with five minutes of quiet reflection or meditation – no matter what! These five minutes will revolutionise the way you react to challenges that arise during the Christmas rush period. Use these precious five minutes to set the tone for the day ahead. You may like to reflect on your mantra or you may prefer to visualise something that makes you feel peaceful, such as a waterfall. To maintain this feeling of serenity throughout your day, you may like to take five deep breaths anytime you think about or hear something Christmas related. It will help you to stay grounded and calm the Christmas craziness!
5. Give gifts of love and time
Give a gift that expresses your love and appreciation of the person receiving the gift. You may decide to fill a card with five genuine reasons why you're appreciative that (name) is in your life! This personal, heartfelt present will leave a lasting impression. Offering your time is another awesome way to convey the Christmas spirit to a loved one. You may choose to get creative and make something...handmade gifts are thoughtful, unique and memorable.
6. Create a Christmas Appreciation list
Write down three things that you can appreciate in the lead up to Christmas. You may like to pop them beneath your Christmas mantra as a reminder. If you happen to feel the Christmas chaos creeping in, whip out your note...reflect, refocus and continue on your way! Appreciation is a wonderful way to manage the Christmas chaos and ensure your days in a more calm and present way.
7. Forgive
Let go of the past. Choose to embrace forgiveness this Christmas season. Release all grievances and frustrations as they block your love. Use this Christmas period to deepen your relationships by forgiving. By doing so you can indulge in a truly peaceful Christmas. Leaving the past, in the past and focusing on what you love about the people in your life, is the most authentic, life changing gift to give.
What is especially wonderful about forgiveness is that in doing so, you also give yourself an amazing gift. By releasing the energy it takes to be angry, you automatically lower the toxicity that non-forgiveness has brought into your life. You become free and feel lighter and more alive than ever before.
8. Enjoy, Celebrate and Love
Make an effort to do two things you LOVE this December. Every day is a precious gift and life is about living so why not make this December a truly memorable one. Give yourself permission to have some fun now instead of putting off your happiness. Schedule in two activities that you usually would not make time for, maybe something you used to do but have not done for a while - something that brings you joy and happiness. Think of it as a special Christmas present to yourself...I call it a well-earned wellbeing gift.
All the best this Christmas season...I hope you relax a little, enjoy more, spend less, forgive a lot and love unconditionally.
By Rhiannon Colarossi
Founder of The Wellbeing Web
www.wellbeingweb.com.au