The magic of Christmas: How to enjoy it stress-free and with a smile
Christmas is around the corner, the shops are brimming with lights, and there are so many carols playing everywhere that you're already considering whether Mariah Carey should start charging rent in your head. And as much as we love the Christmas spirit, it's often accompanied by stress. So, how do you enjoy Christmas and not lose your head in the process? Here are some tips on how to keep the peace and magic of the holidays this year.
1. Forget perfection
Do you have this idea that your Christmas has to be Pinterest-esque? Slow down. No two Christmas balls have to be perfectly symmetrical and no tree has to look like something out of an ad. The magic is that it's YOUR Christmas. Feel free to have a hand-painted snowman on the tree made by kids that looks like a cross between a Pokémon and a snail.
2. Gifts without nerves
Forget the "the more expensive the better" motto. Instead, try gifting something that has meaning. A homemade jam, a book that grabs you by the heart, or maybe a coupon for an experience. How about "Just you and me, coffee and two hours of gossip"? A gift like that is priceless.
3. If candy, then with love
Nowhere does it say you have to have 12 kinds of candy? Make two that you love, and feel free to buy the rest. You'll save time and, more importantly, nerves. Bonus tip: get the family involved. Put on cartoons, have a pot of mulled wine, and let the kids decorate the gingerbread houses (although they'll mostly decorate themselves).
4. Christmas peace is your gift to yourself
Don't forget yourself. Christmas isn't just about what you have to do. Take a day just for you - watch your favorite film (yes, Love Actually counts every time), light a candle, and give yourself a moment of peace.
5. Turn on the magic of the little things
Sometimes the best moments are the most ordinary. Sing carols with the family (even if it sounds more like karaoke after midnight), go to the Christmas markets and sample the punch, or just take an evening stroll through the city and enjoy the lit streets.
6. Everything goes better with a smile
When things do go wrong (yes, that carp will probably slip out of your hands, someone will find a bone anyway, and not every present will please), try to take it with humor. These moments are ultimately the ones you'll remember for years.
7. Give yourself a holiday motto: Less is more
Christmas isn't about how much stuff you have or how much time you spend preparing. They are about the people, the atmosphere, and the moments you share.
Whether you enjoy Christmas this year with family, friends, or by yourself, remember that the greatest magic is in the simplicity and joy of the present moment. As the classic says, "Everything will be a blast if we give it a chance."
Have a wonderful and peaceful Christmas!
Did you know? Not everyone is wasteful, so decorate with live trees and not just any trees. The tallest Christmas living tree is thought to be a centuries-old eucalyptus tree growing in the Styx Valley in Tasmania, measuring an impressive 84 metres.
