Let’s Focus on What Really Matter at Christmas Time

What a challenging, confusing, sometimes frightening, tragic and certainly frustrating year 2020 became. Who would have thought this time last year that the year would have unfolded in such a way? There’s so much going on during the run up to Christmas that’s it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. The festive season is, above all, a time for us all to rejoice with our loved ones.  A time to share the spirit of Christmas and embrace this magical time of year, and gives thanks for each other.

A Time to Say Thank you

Saying thank you is such a small and innocuous gesture, but we have to ask ourselves – do we do it enough? It’s so easy to take those closest to us for granted. The sister that always gives you a lift to Zumba on a Thursday evening, the Sunday lunch your parents always cook (even though you vaguely mentioned having everyone round to yours one week to give them a break), the friend who always pops in to feed your cat when you are away from home. Little things that make our life easier still require appreciation, and Christmas is the perfect time to say thank you.

A Time for Simple Joys

Christmas doesn’t have to be all about expensive gifts, lavish meals and over-indulgence. There’s a lot to be said for taking a simpler approach to the festive season. A walk along a beautiful beach, followed by a cool drink under a shady tree as you watch the waves roll in. Organise your own Christmas get together at someone’s home or in a park with a few friends.

Get everyone to bring a dish each and a tipple or two for a fun time without too much hassle or expense. You can even get someone to dress up as Santa and pay a surprise visit! 

A Time for Remembrance

Christmas is also a time for remembering those who are no longer with us, our thoughts tend to stray to those we have lost. Special occasions have a way of highlighting those who are missing from a celebration and we feel their absence.

It’s fine to shed a tear and remember the good times you shared with lost family and friends.

A Time for Hope

The festive season not only heralds the start of Christmas celebrations but also marks the run up to a brand new year. On New Year’s Eve we ring in the new, take stock of what we have and think about our plans for the coming year. It’s an opportunity to change and improve, a chance to put past mistakes behind us, to challenge ourselves and look forward. Make a promise to yourself that you will spend quality time with your friends and family during the new year. Block dates out on the calendar and in your diary if needs be to make sure you have the time to give without the distractions of day-to-day life.

A Time to Strengthen Family Ties

Families often meet bumps in the road, in the form of arguments, disagreements and differing opinions. Compromise isn’t always easy and meeting someone halfway can be challenging. Resolve to try and put to bed any niggling disputes and instead focus on the positive aspects of family life … and be the bigger person and build a bridge. 

A Time to Have Fun with Those Who Matter

Christmas offers the perfect excuse to have a good time with those who matter most. Snuggle up on the sofa and watch a festive movie with your partner and kids (don’t forget a huge bucket of obligatory popcorn). Go ice skating with a few family members (who cares if you fall on your bum), and meet good friends for a touch of the Christmas spirit (vodka, bubbles, beer or cider – whatever takes your fancy)!

Don’t Forget to Make Time for You!

Making time for others is important but it’s also important to make time for yourself. Save a little time to rest and recharge over the holidays. No one will mind if you sneak off for a deep bubble bath, complete with essential oils and candles, to read a few pages of the new bestseller Santa brought you.

Merry Christmas from our CPH&P family to yours

Lou X