6 tips for reaching Christmas with a smile on your face
The “Christmas rush” has begun. But this year some of us can be grateful for that rush: the chance to attend a Christmas party, to shop for presents in an actual shop, to get the car serviced and pack for a holiday, and to know that we can meet with family to celebrate this special time of year. In many countries people still cannot do this.
No matter your circumstances, this time of celebration and joy also brings with it a mix of pressure and stress. Every year at Mind Gardener we share these same six tips to help you stress less, and glide through the season with a clear mind. We believe they remain relevant in 2020.
1. Don’t catch the deadline virus: Before you add something to your to-do list at this time of year, ask yourself why it must be done before Christmas. If there is no good answer and you’re just falling for an arbitrary deadline, leave it until next year when you have fresh energy and renewed focus.
2. Avoid the perfection pitfall: Stress is the gap between expectations and reality. If you’re trying to create the perfect Christmas, you could be setting yourself up for stress rather than success! While it’s fine to have a vision driving your Christmas plans, hold that vision lightly. Reality brings real magic if you’re open to it.
3. Watch for weakened willpower: Willpower is tested at this time of year. If you are exposed to too many temptations, you could be setting yourself up for a blow-out! The silly season is often when healthy choices and good habits fall by the wayside. Make important decisions early in the day that will help you stay strong when temptation beckons.
4. Rev up your relationships: We often spend less time than we really want with the important people in our lives during the year, and never more so than in 2020. Whether you’re face-to-face or virtual with people this Christmas, remember that simply having more time does not guarantee connection. Try these 3 exercises to really connect:
Listen Longer: use the "2 ears, 1 mouth" principle and listen twice as much as you speak.
Learn Something New: find out one new thing about those closest to you.
Laugh Lots: fun and play trigger positive emotions and bring people closer together.
5. Immaterial Matters: It is common knowledge that material goods don’t make anyone happy, so rather than succumbing to buying a gift that has no real meaning, ask yourself what inspires each person, then consider how to give them that inspiration in a creative way.
6. Being Present is the present: Attention is a precious gift. It’s the currency of care. In fact it is the only thing you really have to give of yourself to another person. So regardless of what else you get someone for Christmas, make sure you give a full dose of clear, open and uncluttered attention with it.
We wish you joy, love and hope for a bright future as this year comes to an end.
Martina & Susan
© Mind Gardener Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. You are welcome to quote from or link to this post as long as you attribute it to Susan Pearse & Martina Sheehan and include a clear link back to this original blog post. Please contact us for approval for any other particular uses or references.