Happy Christmas!

I am sure that the years are going by much faster than they used to. It seems such a short time ago that it was last Christmas and I was wondering what the next year would bring. Well, now the year is almost at a close already with Christmas once again just around the corner!

This last year will have been the best for some and the worst for others. Some will have struggled through alone while other people will have had family and friends to rely on to get them through hard times. In this noisy and fast paced technological world that we live in, it is often very difficult to take a step back and to appreciate the small wonders that are all around us. The sight of a robin perched on a tree, the first frost of winter, clear, starry skies, holly trees, singing carols in a church, twinkling lights and the intoxicating aroma of mince pies are just some of the wonderful elements which are associated with this time of year.

Originating as a Christian celebration, Christmas rapidly seems to be getting less and less religious and more taken over by consumerism by the year with the real meaning often getting lost amongst the festive frenzy.

For many people it can be an extremely stressful time of year with so many presents to buy, food to prepare and guests to entertain - and the constant high expectations places an enormous amount of pressure to make it a ‘perfect Christmas’. However, the perfect Christmas very rarely exists in real life although social media, glossy magazines and much of what we see on television would have us believe otherwise! Never compare what you have with what others have and do not set yourself up for disappointment. Christmas is only one day, after all. On the other hand, there are many people who dread Christmas for quite the opposite reason and that is loneliness.

While we can’t fix the world’s problems, what we can do is be kind. Being kind makes a huge difference as you never know what is happening in someone's life or more importantly in their mind. Smile, initiate conversations with strangers, make time for people no matter how ‘busy’ you are, ask how people are and mean it. Acts of kindness can have a huge ripple effect of positivity. Christmas is a time for many things including goodwill to all, charity, forgiveness, tolerance, gratitude and compassion - none of which cost even a single penny.

If you have no one to do these for you then give yourself the gift of self care this Christmas. Self care can really uplift your spirits and by concentrating and appreciating yourself, it can help put things into perspective so that you can focus on creating your future.

Whatever your circumstances are this Christmas and whether you are spending it with others or will be alone, I hope that you do have a ‘Happy Christmas’ and that the New Year fulfills all of your hopes, dreams and wishes.